The Exploration of the Legal Gaps and Institutional Hurdlesto Indigenous Land Rights in Bangladesh: Legal Frameworkfor Protecting the Lands of Santal Community

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Published: 01-10-2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70818/ijbass.2026.v07i02.0079
Keywords:
Land Rights, Plain Land Indigenous Community, Santal Community in Bangladesh, Institutional Challenges

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Munira Jahan Sumi
PhD in Indigenous Land Rights (University of Malaya, Malaysia) LLM and LLB (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) , Associate Professor, Department of Law, Jagannath University, Bangladesh

Abstract

Indigenous land rights continue to be an important issue of concern because of their marginalization, lack of legal recognition and growing pressure from development activities. The study in this paper is a qualitative nature and it is based on legal research with respect to land rights issues experienced by the plain land Santal Indigenous community of Bangladesh. It reviews the national and international legal frameworks, current land governance systems and practices, and identifies gaps that facilitate violations of traditional land rights. The aim of the study is to examine the impact of the absence of recognition of custom land rights on the security of Santal ancestral lands. The paper, after reviewing literature, field data and expert views, draws attention to legal and institutional issues and makes recommendations to the policy makers and stakeholders. It is important that the rights to their customary lands be recognized and that effective legal tools be created to ensure the identity, dignity and livelihood of the Santal community in Bangladesh.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): July – December

Section

Original Article
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How to Cite

The Exploration of the Legal Gaps and Institutional Hurdlesto Indigenous Land Rights in Bangladesh: Legal Frameworkfor Protecting the Lands of Santal Community. (2026). International Journal of Business, Arts and Scientific Study, 7(2), 125-140. https://doi.org/10.70818/ijbass.2026.v07i02.0079

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