Staff Correspondent 

The Dhaka district administration is on the verge of achieving 100% success in collecting land development tax.

Dhaka Deputy  Commissioner  Farida Khanam said that although a revenue collection target of Tk 84 crore was set for the current fiscal year, it has been 100% achieved by the end of June.

On Sunday (June 21), she disclosed this information in an exclusive interview given to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at her  office.

The District Commissioner informed that she herself has taken direct initiatives to collect long-standing arrears of land development tax from government agencies, which is being considered an exceptional and unprecedented step in the administrative field.

Farida Khanam said that around Tk 7 crore in land development tax was overdue from Dhaka North City Corporation and about Tk 15 crore from Dhaka South City Corporation. Although the claims of these agencies remained in arrears year after year, there was no real progress in collecting them.

The DC said, "As the district collector, I myself went to the two city corporations and discussed the matter." She informed that the direct presence of the District Commissioner positively stirred the concerned authorities.

Dhaka South City Corporation has already paid Tk 5 crore out of the outstanding Tk 15 crore, and the process of paying the remaining amount is underway. On the other hand, Dhaka North City Corporation has also assured the quick payment of Tk 4 to 5 crore.

The DC said, "If I had not taken the initiative myself, perhaps this money would not have been deposited into the government treasury. Everyone must become more responsible in collecting government revenue."

Farida Khanam said that the district administration has taken special measures so that the arrears of government agencies do not accumulate in the future. She said, "I have instructed the Additional District Commissioner (Revenue) and Assistant Commissioner (Land) officers to work regularly at the field level until the claims of the agencies are realized. Outside of office work, they will visit various government and semi-government institutions for at least two to three hours every day to communicate regarding the recovery of dues."

She informed that the district administration also has a significant amount of dues from RAJUK, Bangladesh Railway, and several other institutions. Officials have already started working at the field level to collect these dues.

Speaking about various programs of the district administration in tree plantation and environmental conservation, Farida Khanam said that a massive tree plantation activity is being conducted across the country as part of the ‘Green City, Clean City’ program announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

She said, "The Prime Minister has announced a target of planting 25 crore trees in five years. To realize that goal, specific responsibilities have been given to various government departments and agencies. We want to turn Dhaka into a greener, more livable, and eco-friendly city."

She further said that special importance is being given from the highest level of the government regarding cleanliness and environmental protection. The district administration is regularly working on city management, waste removal, and increasing public awareness.

The Drpity  Commissioner said that although the revenue collection target of Tk 84 crore has been met in the current fiscal year, this target may increase further in the next fiscal year. She said, "Probably our revenue collection target will be raised to Tk 100 crore in the next fiscal year. However, merely increasing the target will not be enough; the capability to achieve that target must also be created. We are taking those preparations."

In response to a question about whether the lands leased from the district administration for a long time are being properly utilized, Farida Khanam said that an investigation will be conducted into this matter if necessary. She said, "Many individuals and institutions have leased government land at different times. We will verify whether they are using the land according to the terms of the lease. If it is found that anyone is using the land outside the designated purpose, action will be taken according to the law."

Speaking about improving the quality of service in the land offices under the district administration, Farida Khanam said that the administration officials are performing their duties as servants of the people. She said, "Our officials work day and night for the welfare of the state. I always tell them that we will work as servants of the people, not as rulers. Our salaries are paid with the taxpayers' money. Therefore, that responsibility must be performed with honesty and dedication."

She further said, "If an allegation of irregularity, corruption, or negligence in service is found anywhere against any officer or employee, conscious citizens can inform the district administration. If the allegation is proven, action will certainly be taken."

Farida Khanam said that the district administration is determined to play a more effective role in every field of development, good governance, revenue collection, environmental protection, and public service. She said, "The state cannot perform all responsibilities alone. An advanced, clean, and prosperous Bangladesh can only be built through the collective initiatives of people from every class and profession of society, including journalists, businessmen, government officials, and teachers. Small initiatives eventually give birth to big changes."

In the interview, she also highlighted various aspects of the ongoing activities of the district administration in modernizing land management, increasing government revenue, and improving the quality of public service.