State Minister for Land Saifuzzaman Chowdhury promised to maintain transparency and accountability in his ministry’s activities, and make land-related services smooth and hassle-free.
He made the pledge while talking to reporters at the conference room of the land ministry yesterday.
As part of his commitment, he disclosed his and his wife’s wealth statements. His total estimated assets were equivalent to Tk15.17 crore while his wife’s was Tk2.92 crore.
Chowdhury also promised to disclose his wealth statements every year.
“I came empty-handed and I will go empty-handed,” he said.
Chowdhury said he had already resigned from a number of companies and would resign from a private bank.
“My business will not increase further,” he promised.
Chowdhury appears to be following in the footsteps of former state minister for land and current Primary and Mass Education Minister Mustafizur Rahman Fizar, the only cabinet member in the last government whose wealth declined during his term.
Asked whether other cabinet members should disclose their wealth, Chowdhury said it was an individual decision.
Pointing out the hassle and harassment faced by people in getting land related services, he said he would take the initiative to deliver services from one-stop service centres.
“I will talk to the prime minister to bring the registration of land from the law ministry to the land ministry,” he added.