The government is likely to limit the individual ownership of non-agricultural land to 40 bighas in an attempt to cope with the scarcity of farmlands in the country.

The land ministry made the proposal in its draft of the Land Ownership and Uses Act, which aims to protect agricultural land, ensure food security, and reduce the effects of climate change.

However, the authorities will allow ownership of over 40 bighas of non-agricultural land if it is used for setting up large industries, says the draft which will be placed at a cabinet meeting next week.

Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury talked about the draft while meeting the deputy commissioners at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. He, however, didn't go into further details about the draft.

Currently, there is no limit on acquiring non-agricultural land.

Another draft law of the ministry called Land Crime Prevention and Redress Act has been sent to the Cabinet Division for final approval. It terms illegal occupation of land as a criminal offence.

On the final day of the three-day DC conference, the DCs met with the top bosses of over 12 ministries and divisions.

They were asked to be prepared for a free and fair 12th national election, slated for January next, and to monitor private clinics to check whether they are charging patients extra for service.

They were also asked to watch out for rumours spread by unregistered online portals and IPTVs.

At the Bangabhaban last night, President Abdul Hamid told the DCs that they should make sure they stay away from corruption and don't abuse power.

The president then asked them to keep the global situation in mind and utilise maximum utilisation of resources and successful implementation of development programmes.

Hamid also urged them to free the land offices from corruption.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told the DCs to start preparing for the national election.

This was the last DC conference before the national election.

The directive also comes at a time when the BNP and like-minded parties are regularly demonstrating for a polls-time caretaker government while the government is saying the next election will be held under the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government.

According to the law, the Election Commission will conduct the election, but the DCs play a vital role in the districts because they will be the returning officers.

"People want a free, fair and credible election. The whole world is also looking at it. For a fair election, you will play a key role. Prepare yourself to present the nation with a fair election," he said.

The security forces are capable of tackling any situation during the election period, he said, adding that the government will have no control on the security forces during the election period as the Election Commission will lead them and the home ministry will discharge its routine work.

Terming the use of drugs a big challenge, Asaduzzaman said the DCs should be proactive in reducing the use of narcotics. "We asked them to work along with the public representatives to reduce its [drugs] use."

A section of Rohingyas are involved in smuggling in yaba to Bangladesh, the home minister said, adding that the army, police and intelligence agencies are working to stop it.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen asked the DCs to take action against illegal hill cutting and filling up of ponds and canals.

He also alerted them to human trafficking by travel agents.

Emerging from the meeting, he told reporters that the Myanmar government was not sincere about taking back the Rohingyas.

"Our priority is to repatriate Rohingyas. Myanmar also said they will take back Rohingyas. But it has been six years. Not a single Rohingya has returned," he said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud asked the DCs to inform the ministry about rumours spread by the unregistered online portals and IPTVs so that legal actions are taken and counter-messages against the rumours are spread to create awareness among the people.

"There are many unregistered online portals and IPTVs in the districts. These are used to spread misleading information and rumours," he said.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque asked the DCs to visit private clinics and check whether the patients are charged extra and unnecessary C-sections are performed.

After a session with the DCs, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the data protection law will be enacted to protect data, not to control it.

"We will place the draft of the Data Protection Act in parliament. That does not mean suggestions from the stakeholders will not be heard," he said.

Regarding the Digital Security Act, he said, "We have taken measures to ensure that cases are registered after proper verification…"

The government has taken an initiative to raise the salary of public prosecutors and government pleaders.

The three-day conference concluded yesterday with a session conducted by Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the conference on Tuesday. The DCs made 245 recommendations and participated in 26 sessions.