Compensation and Resettlement Approaches after Compulsory Land Acquisition for Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Project (JMBP) in Bangladesh: Policy and Practice

Abstract

This study evaluates the compensation and post-resettlement support policies for people affected by development projects (PAPs) in Bangladesh, focusing on the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Project (JMBP), the country’s largest mega-project. An analytical framework was developed, and a questionnaire survey was conducted among 116 randomly selected PAPs. The study investigates the compensation and resettlement procedures followed in accordance with existing national laws and examines whether the policies ensure adequate post-resettlement support and fair compensation. The findings reveal that the current practices, based on a flawed land acquisition law, fail to meet global standards for resettlement policies. Despite some improvements in compensation and post-resettlement support compared to other completed mega-projects in the country, PAPs in the JMBP faced difficulties accessing their compensation and support packages. The study identifies issues with faulty valuation methods for loss calculations, which forced many resettlers to struggle to restore their livelihoods to pre-displacement levels. The study recommends the establishment of a clear resettlement policy, the assurance of fair compensation, and the initiation of a “benefit-sharing” mechanism to better address the needs of PAPs.