GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
BANGLADESH RAILWAY

SASEC: Chittagong - Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Construction of Single Line Dual Gauge Railway Track from

Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and Ramu to Gundum Near
Myanmar Border

Social Monitoring Report (SMR)

(January 2019 to June 2019)

July 2019
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Abbreviation

ADB : Asian Development Bank

AH : Affected Household
AP : Affected Person
APD : Additional Project Director
BR : Bangladesh Railway
COI : Corridor of Impact
CPR : Common Property Resources
CCL : Cash Compensation under Law
CSC : Construction Supervision Consultant
DC : Deputy Commissioner
DD : Deputy Director
DPP : Development Project Proposal
EA : Executing Agency
EC : Entitlement Card
EP : Entitled Person
FGD : Focus Group Discussion
GOB : Government of Bangladesh
GRC : Grievance Redress Committee
GRM : Grievance Redress Mechanism
ILRP : Income and Livelihood Restoration Program
INGO : Implementing Non-Government Organization
IOL : Inventory of Losses
JVC : Joint Verification Committee
LA : Land Acquisition
LAP : Land Acquisition Plan/Proposal
NTH : Non-Titled Holder
MFF : Multi-trench Financial Facility
PAPs : Project Affected Persons
PD : Project Director
PVAC : Property Valuation Advisory Committee
RB : Resettlement Benefit
RP : Resettlement Plan
ROW : Right of Way
SASEC : South Asian Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation
TH : Titled Holder
U/S : Under Section

2
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5
I. INTRODUCTION, PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES 7
A. Introduction 7
B. Project Description 7
C. Project Objectives 7
D. Project Scope 8
E. Project Location Map 9
II. METHODOLOGY FOR PREPARING THE SOCIAL MONITORING REPORT (SMR) 10
A. Documents Reviewed 10
B. Field Visit 10
III. RESETTLEMENT PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION 11
A. Resettlement Plan Preparation and Objectives 11
B. The Elements of the RP 11
C. Objectives of RP 12
D. Shift in Alignment and its Impact on Land Acquisition 12
E. Resettlement Plan Implementation Arrangements 13
E.1 Bangladesh Railway (BR) & Project Implementation Unit-PIU 13
E.2 Resettlement Plan Implementing Non-Government Organization 13
(INGO)
E.3 Establishment of Resettlement Unit in Construction Supervision 14
Consultancy (CSC)
E.4 Asian Development Bank (ADB) 14
E.5 Formation of Committees (JVC, PVAC and GRC) 15
E.5.1 Composition of the Joint Committee 15
E.5.1. The ToR of the JVC Committee 15
1
E.5.2 Composition of the Property Valuation Advisory Committee (PVAC) 15
E.5.2. The ToR of the Committee 15
1
E.5.3 Composition of Local and Project Level GRC 15
E.5.3. The ToR of the GRC 15
1
E.6 INGO’s Assistance for JVC and GRC 16
E.7 LA Process in Bangladesh & Role of DC 16
F. Land Acquisition 17
G. Land Handover and CCL Payments up to June 2019 18
H.1 Payments of Resettlement Benefit (RB) to THs 18
H.2 Payments of Resettlement Benefit (RB) to NTHs 19
I. Payment of Resettlement Benefits (RB) to THs & NTHs 23
J. Identification and Assistance of Vulnerable Households 23
K. Common Property Resources 23
L. Income & Livelihood Restoration Program (ILRP) 23
M. Consultation, Information Campaign and Participatory Process 24
IV. GENERAL COMMENTS 24
V. SUCCESS STORIES 26
VI. CONCLUSION 26

3
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

LIST OF TABLES:

Page
Table 1 : District, Upazila & Mouza under SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway 8
Project, Phase-1
Table 2 : Project Impacts Summary 11
Table 3 : Composition of Resettlement Team of BR 13
Table 4 Composition of INGO Key Staff 13
Table 5 : Composition of CSC Resettlement Team 14
Table 6 : Institutional Arrangements/Functions 14
Table 7 : LA Process in Bangladesh 16
Table 8 : Status of Service of Notices under Sections 3; 6 & 7 of Chittagong and Cox’s 18
Bazar district up to June, 2019
Table 9 : Land handover to BR, estimated cost for acquisition and compensation payment 20
up to June 2019
Table 10 : Payment status of the Resettlement Benefits and ID Card Distribution for Title 21
Holders (TH) up to June 2019
Table 11 : Status of Resettlement Benefits (RB) Payments to NTHs and ID Card 22
Distribution among NTHs
Table 12 : Category Wise Payments to Vulnerable Households 23
Table 13 : Status of Information Campaign 23
Table 14 : Distribution of GRCs by Upazila under the Project 24
Table 15 : General Comments on Specific Implementation Issues 24

4
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Semi-Annual Social Monitoring Report – SMR (January 2019 – June 2019) has been
prepared to present the status of land acquisition and implementation of Resettlement Plan (RP)
of SASEC: Chittagong - Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase 1 in Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar
district under Chittagong Division of Bangladesh during January 2019 through June 2019. Target
of this Project is to construct 103.477Km of new Single Line Dual Gauge Railway Track from
Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu. As expected that this new Greenfield alignment would
connect Cox’s Bazar, a touristic region with developing industries, with the capital Dhaka as well
as other important cities including Chittagong. Besides, it will establish connectivity to the
proposed expected Trans - Asian Railway Corridor. The Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh with the financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched
SASEC: Chittagong - Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1.

The project requires a total of 1,367.3664 acres of land to construct a railway line and other
structures which are shown in details in this report. Major part of land acquisition (1,367.3664
acres) has been executed under 10 (ten) LA cases [7 (seven) and 3 (three) LA cases under
Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar district respectively)] following the Acquisition and Requisition of
Immovable Property Ordinance 1982 (Ordinance II of 1982) and its subsequent amendments in
1993 and 1994. All the 10 (ten) LA cases had been finalized and officially lands had been
handed over to the BR within December 2018.

Recently one new land acquisition proposal for acquisition of 0.625 acre of land following the
Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act 2017 (September 21, 2017) [ARIPA 2017
(September 21, 2017)] was submitted to DC Office. At present an insignificant amount of land
(1.6472 acres) is under process of acquisition applying ARIPA 2017 (September 21, 2017).
Besides, some additional amount of land will be acquired using ARIPA 2017 (September 21,
2017) within the shortest period of time. Land acquisition causes resettlement impacts, which
include, but are not limited to (a) permanent loss of residential, social and commercial structures,
(b) loss of income and livelihoods, (c) displacement of people and (d) loss of lands.
Compensation (CCL) payment is going on.

A Resettlement Plan (RP) was prepared in accordance with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement
(2009) and the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance 1982 (Ordinance II
of 1982) and its subsequent amendments in 1993 and 1994 of the Government of Bangladesh
(GOB), detailed engineering design, census survey and inventory of losses and assets. The
original RP was approved by the Ministry of Railways on August 17, 2016 as per concurrence of
ADB. In accordance with ADB Safeguard requirements. It is worth mentioning that there is a
requirement of updating this RP considering a very few changes in alignment and earlier missing
of structures in general and squatters’ structures in particular. As a result, this updated
Resettlement Plan will also be based on ARIPA 2017 (September 21, 2017) along with ARIPO
1982 (Ordinance II of 1982). In accordance with ADB Safeguard requirements, the GOB agreed
to implement the RP of the project ensuring the followings:

1. Avoiding involuntary resettlement wherever possible;

2. Minimizing involuntary resettlement by exploring project and design alternatives;
3. To enhance or at least restore the livelihoods of displaced persons in real term compared
to pre-project/pre-displacement levels; and
4. Improving the standards of living of the displaced poor and other vulnerable groups.
Bangladesh Railway engaged NGO (DORP & PATHMARK) as Implementing NGO - INGO for
implementation of the RP under the project. The INGO was entrusted to implement the RP.
Accordingly, the INGO has carrying out various activities for implementing the RP since February
2017. This Semi-Annual Social Monitoring Report (SMR) covers progress of land acquisition and

5
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

implementation of the RP during January 2019 through June 2019 including an action plan to
speed up the compensation payment so that the civil works are not delayed. BR, CSC and INGO
are working as per ToR to address any problems and issues of the Affected Persons (APs)
related to land acquisition and resettlement.

As of June 2019, BR has taken over all acquired land (1,367.3664 acres) from the DC Offices,
Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar for construction work. CCL payments were made to 5,328 awardees
out of 10,118 identified awardees by DC Offices, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar as of June 2019.
A total of 875 NTHs have been identified as of June 2019. Of 875 NTHs, 812 NTHs (92.8%)
were issued EP ID cards. Of 812 NTHs with EP ID cards, 609 NTHs (75%) received
compensation, resettlement benefits, and assistance from the BR following the recommendation
of JVC. EP ID cards were issued to a total of 456 THs as of June 2019. Of 456 THs with EP ID
cards, 98 THs (21.49%) were paid Top Up (compensation and resettlement benefits). Besides,
12,135 leaflets on land acquisition and resettlement matters and issues and 6,150 resettlement
information booklets (Punorbason Pustika) were distributed in the project area. A total of 433
hours of public announcement with mike (loud speaker) had been made in the Project area to
campaign necessary information related to land acquisition and involuntary resettlement.

6
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

I. INTRODUCTION, PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:

A. Introduction:
This Semi-Annual Social Monitoring Report (SMR) presents the status of land acquisition and
implementation of the Resettlement Plan (RP) of SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway
Project, Phase-1 in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar district under Chattogram Division of
Bangladesh. The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh represented by the
Ministry of Railways. The Ministry of Railways is the Project Sponsoring Agency while
Bangladesh Railway (BR) is the Project Implementing Agency. The Asian Development Bank
(ADB) is the Development Partner for the Project. For this project 2 Loan agreements have been
signed between Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) on
June 21, 2017.
The scope of the report is to provide a progress status of the land acquisition and resettlement
activities and to assess their compliance with ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS
2009), and to account for implementation of resettlement activities at field level. It may be
mentioned here that 3 SMRs have been submitted till now. These SMRs were disclosed on ADB
website. Now, the 4th Semi-annual social monitoring report is covering the period from January
2019 to June 2019.

As of June 2019, BR has taken over all acquired land (1,367.3664 acres) from the DC Offices,
Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar for construction work. CCL payments were made to 5,328 awardees
out of 10,118 identified awardees by DC Offices, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar as of June 2019.
A total of 875 NTHs have been identified as of June 2019. Of 875 NTHs, 812 NTHs (92.8%)
were issued EP ID cards. Of 812 NTHs with EP ID cards, 609 NTHs (75%) received
compensation, resettlement benefits, and assistance from the BR following the recommendation
of JVC. EP ID cards were issued to a total of 456 THs as of June 2019. Of 456 THs with EP ID
cards, 98 THs (21.49%) were paid Top Up (compensation and resettlement benefits). Besides,
12,135 leaflets on land acquisition and resettlement matters and issues and 6,150 resettlement
information booklets (Punorbason Pustika) were distributed in the project area. A total of 433
hours of public announcement with mike (loud speaker) had been made in the Project area to
campaign necessary information related to land acquisition and involuntary resettlement.

B. Project description:

 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase 1, involves new construction
of 103.477 km Single Line Dual Gauge Railway Track from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar. The
Project components include the followings:
a) New Construction of 103.477 km Single Line Dual Gauge Railway Track (Dohazari to
Cox’s Bazar);
b) Construction of 9 (nine) railway stations, namely Dohazari, Satkania, Lohagara,
Harbang, Chakaria, Dulahazra, Islamabad, Ramu and Cox’s Bazar
c) Construction of 4 large bridges (over 100 m), 35 major bridges (15 m to 100 m) and
145 culverts;
d) Construction of Elephant Crossings (underpass and overpass).
e) Construction of Modern Computer Based Inter Locking (CBI) signaling system;
f) Construction of an ICONIC station building at Cox’s Bazar.

C. Project Objectives:
The objectives of the project are to promote the economic development and conversely reduce
poverty through a new connectivity of railway in the southeastern part of Bangladesh, specifically
Cox’s Bazar where the largest natural sea beach is situated. This project will link the Capital City

7
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

(Dhaka) and other integrated railway networks of Bangladesh. The project will directly contribute
to earning foreign exchange through the development of the tourism industry and the export of
garments and agro based products, including an internal carriage of imported and local goods.

D. Project Scope:
The name of the project is “Single Line Dual Gauge Railway Track Construction Project Phase
1 from Dohazari of Chattogram district to Cox’s Bazar Sadar of Cox’s Bazar district” under
Chattogram Division of Bangladesh. The project area is shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1: The District, Upazila & Mouza of the Project

District Upazila Mouza
1 2 3
Chattogram Chandanais Zamirjuri & Dohazari
h
Satkania Kathgar, Kaliaish, Temohoni, Janarkewchia, Uttar Dhemsa,
Dakkhin Dhemsa, Paschim Dhemsa, Rupkania, Bardona

Lohagara Amirabad, Lohagara, Adunagar, Amtali, Chunoti and Jungle

Chunoti.

Cox’s Bazar Chakaria Harbang, Reserve Harbang, Paharchanda, Veola Manikchar,

Bethua , Purba Baro Veola, Kahariaghona, Rampur, Koraiyaghona,
PalaKata, Ringvong, Dulahazra, Medhakacchapia,
Khutakhali,Phulchari.
Ramu Dhalirchara, Nandakhali, Joarianala, Nonachari, Uttar Mithachari,
Meronglowa, Fatehkharkul, Razarkul, Umkhali, Dakkhin Mitachari,
Chainda, and Varuakhali.
Cox’s Bazar Zilongja, Chowfaldandi, Machuakhali, Napitkhali, Bowalkhali and
Eidgong

8
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

E. THE PROJECT LOCATION MAP:

9
SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

10
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

II. METHODOLOGY FOR PREPARING THE SOCIAL MONITORING REPORT:

Monitoring survey, consultation meetings and focus group discussions (FGDs) for social
monitoring had been conducted during January 2019 through June 2019 for preparing this SMR
(January 2019 – June 2019). All the relevant documents on land acquisition and resettlement
under the Project area were reviewed for preparing this SMR.

Relevant information and data on land acquisition and resettlement activities were collected
from the fields under the Project for preparing this SMR. Baseline information on land
acquisition, and resettlement impacts and risks were also consulted as and when required for
preparing this SMR. More specifically, information and data on resettlement activities done
during January 2019 through June 2019 had been collected by the INGO through need based
monitoring surveys and consultation with the affected persons (PAPs). The Project Office
(Project Implementation Unit - PIU) frequently coordinates the entire resettlement work and
processes the data on land acquisition and resettlement activities for facilitating the smooth
implementation of the RP.

A. Documents Reviewed:

In preparing the fifth Social Monitoring Report (SMR), the following documents have been
consulted and reviewed:
1) The first, second and third SMRs;
2) The Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance-ARIPO 1982
(Ordinance II of 1982) and its subsequent amendments up to 1994; and the Acquisition
and Requisition of Immovable Property Act, 2017 (September 21, of 2017);
3) ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS 2009);
4) The Project Administration Manual;
5) ADB’s Residence Mission Aide Memoire;
6) Resettlement Plan [RP (May 2016)];
7) Contract Agreement for Implementation of RP between BR and Implementing NGO
(DORP & PATHMARK);
8) Allied documents related to the Land Acquisition Plan & Proposal (LAP);
9) Six (6) monthly progress reports (from January 2019 through June 2019) submitted to BR
by INGO;
10) EP files of title holders and non-title holders;
11) Activities of various committees [Joint Verification Committee (JVC), Grievance Redress
Committee (GRC) & Property Valuation Advisory Committee (PVAC)];
12) Documents prepared on focus group discussions (FGDs); and
13) Documents prepared on consultation meetings with the project affected persons and
different Stakeholders.
B. Field Visits:
The Honourable Minister, Md. Nurul Islam Sujon, the Ministry of Railway visited Project site on
28 February 2019 and inquired progress of land acquisition and payments of cash
compensation under law (CCL) from DC Offices and resettlement benefits and assistance from
the BR. ADB Consultants visited Project site during 16-17 January, 2019. The project site is
being regularly visited by Project Director, Additional Project Director, DD/Resettlement/BR,
CSC Team and INGO team members.

11
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

III. RESETTLEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION:

A. Resettlement Plan Preparation and Objectives:
A detailed Resettlement Plan (RP) [May 2016] for SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway
Project, Phase 1 was prepared by the Design Consultant in accordance with the ADB’s
Involuntary Resettlement guidelines. The RP contains the development strategy and package,
which aims at improving or at least restoring the economic bases of the affected persons
because of population displacement due to acquisition of 1,367.36 acres of land for
implementation of the Project. The Resettlement Plan (RP) was approved by the Ministry of
Railways vide memo No. 54.00.0000.006.014.2016-86 dated 17 August 2016. The approved RP
was disclosed on ADB’s website’s link (https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-
document/184412/46452-002-rp-01.pdf) and Bangladesh Railway’s website
(www.railway.portal.gov.bd/RP .

B. The Elements of the RP:

 Legal Framework. Two legal frameworks [(i) ARIPO 1982 & ARIPA 2017 and (ii) ADB’s
SPS 2009] on which the RP of the Project was prepared contains the principles and
guidelines which will be used to acquire lands and other assets from private ownership,
as well as to take over public lands from authorized and/or unauthorized private uses.
 Entitlement Matrix. A detailed entitlement matrix presents definitions of the entitlements,
entitled persons, application guidelines and implementation, and the institutional
responsibility to make payments of compensation, assistance and resettlement benefits.
 Grievance Redress Mechanism. A grievance redress mechanism has been established
under DCRP to redress grievances, disputes and complaints related to land acquisition,
resettlement planning and implementation of the resettlement plan of the Project.
 Monitoring and Evaluation. An internal monitoring system has been established by
Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and INGO with the guidance and support of
Construction Supervision Consultants (CSC). Scope and requirements of monitoring
report are as follows:
a. To describe the concrete steps necessary to implement the internal and external
monitoring activities,
b. To define organizational resources and logistical requirements for internal and
external monitoring

 Planning Process. A planning process for land acquisition and resettlement activities
includes (i) carrying out pre-land acquisition activities (searching and collecting
necessary papers, deeds and documents), (ii) preparing location-specific land acquisition
plans and proposals (LAPs), (iii) identifying impacts and recording impacts in detail, (iv)
reviewing policy, (v) preparing budgets and task scheduling, etc. for smooth
implementation of land acquisition and resettlement activities.

The RP (May 2016) of the Project presents documentation of impacts of involuntary land
acquisition and resettlement. Table 2 represents summary of project impacts:

Table 2: Summary of Project Impacts

SL No. Project Impacts Number
1 2 3
1) Land to be acquired (Acres) 1390.1901
2) Total number of project Affected Persons 9,946
3) Total Affected number of Common Property Resources 43
4) Total Number of Affected Private Households 1,984
5) Total number of Affected Household requiring physical relocation 1,569

12
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

SL No. Project Impacts Number

1 2 3
6) Total number of Affected Household economically displaced 415
7) Total Number of Affected Title-holders (TH) 1,032
8) Total Affected Non-title-holders (TH) 537
9) Total Affected number of encroachers 12
10) Total number of Affected Renters 160
11) Total number of Affected Vulnerable Households 984
Sources: Approved RP (page-5), May 2016

C. Objective of Resettlement Plan (RP):

The objectives of the Resettlement Plan (RP) are to assess and document impacts of land
acquisition and involuntary resettlement, to develop mitigation measures, to pay compensation,
resettlement benefits and assistance to implement rehabilitation measures to restore income,
assets and livelihoods of all the affected persons. The RP covers provisions for compensation
and resettlement benefits to both the title holder & non-title holder affected persons. It complies
with national regulations for land acquisition (ARIPO 1982 & ARIPA 2017), and ADB’s
Involuntary Resettlement outlined in the Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). It also includes
income and livelihood restoration programme and poverty reduction assistance to vulnerable
households.

The RP complies with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 Principles as
Follows:
Objectives:
 To avoid Involuntary Resettlement-wherever possible;
 To minimize involuntary resettlement by exploring project and design alternatives;
 To enhance, or at least restore, the livelihoods of all displaced persons in real terms
relative to pre-project levels; and to improve the standards of living of the displaced poor
and other vulnerable groups;
Policy Principles:
o Determine the scope of resettlement planning through a survey and/or census of displaced
persons, including a gender analysis, especially related to resettlement impacts and risks.
o Consultation, participation and grievance mechanism set up.
o Develop procedures in a transparent, consistent, and equitable manner improve or at least
restore livelihoods and standard of living.
o Provide transitional and relocation assistance.
o Improve standards of living of vulnerable and poor affected persons.
o Consulting with the affected people in project planning and implementation.
o Disclosure of the project and safeguard documents to PAPs and their community.
o Payments of compensation for acquiring assets at replacement cost.
o Ensuring that no one is worse off as a result of resettlement and would
maintain, at least, their original standard of living;
o Resettlement benefits to affected persons, including non-titled persons; and
o Special attention to vulnerable affected persons.

D. Shift in Alignment and Its Impact on Land Acquisition:

Original RP was approved on August 17, 2016. An insignificant shift in a very few cases in
alignment had been occurred. Besides, earlier unintended missing of structures of title holders
and squatters had been considered kindly. As a result, one new LAP following “the Acquisition
and Requisition of Immovable Property Act 2017 (September 21, 2017) was submitted to DC
Office. In addition, pre-land acquisition activities following ARIPA 2017 have been progressing for

13
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

preparation and submission of another new LAP to DC Office Chittagong. May be some
additional lands will be acquired in near future using the ARIPA 2017 (September 21, 2017) due
to shift in alignment and/or missing of land in already submitted LAPs following Ordinance II of
ARIPO 1982 and its subsequent amendments up to 1994.

E. Resettlement Plan Implementation Arrangements:

E.1 Bangladesh Railway (BR) & Project Implementation Unit – PIU:
Bangladesh Railway (BR) is the Executing Agency (EA) for the resettlement plan implementation
arrangements of SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase 1. The Project
Management Unit (PMU) is run by a Project Director and includes BR Officials to implement the
LAPs and the RP. The Deputy Director (Resettlement) is the convener of the Joint Verification
Committee (JVC), Property Valuation Advisory Committee (PVAC) and Grievance Redress
Committee (GRC) and signatory of the payment documents of resettlement benefits (RB) in favor
of Project Director. The DD (Resettlement) is assisted by the Senior Sub Assistant Engineer –
SSAE (Resettlement) for the implementation of the RP at the field level (see Table 3).

Table 3: Composition of Resettlement Team of BR

Sl No. Position No. Remarks
1. Deputy Director (Resettlement) 1 Deployed
2. Sub Assistant Engineer (Resettlement) 1 Deployed
Total 2

E.2 Resettlement Plan Implementing Non-Government Organization (INGO):

Bangladesh Railway had recruited Implementing NGO-INGO, Development Organization of the
Rural Poor (DORP) & PATHMARK - JV in February 2017 to assist BR in land acquisition &
implement the Resettlement Plan (RP). DORP - PATHMARK had set up two field offices in
Lohagara of Chattogram and Ramu of Cox’s Bazar in the project area in addition to Project
Coordination Office in Chattogram. At present INGO has three field offices at Lohagara, Ramu
and Chakaria for implementation of the RP. Table 4 shows that the composition of key staff as
per the Contract Agreement between BR and DORP - PATHMARK are as follows:

Table 4: Composition of INGO key staff

Sl. No. Position No. Remarks
1. Team Leader (LA and Resettlement Specialist) 1 Recruited & deployed
2. Resettlement Expert Manager 2 Recruited & deployed
3. Land Acquisition Manager 1 Recruited & deployed
4. Social Development Specialist 1 Recruited & deployed
5. Women in Development/Gender Specialist 1 Not mobilized
6. Finance Management Specialist 1 Vacant
7. MIS Specialist/Database Manager 1 Recruited & deployed
8. Area Manager 2 Recruited & deployed
Total 10

The key responsibilities of the INGO are to support BR in implementing the RP effectively, timely
and efficiently. In addition, INGO is updating the detailed surveys of the affected persons (APs)
and their assets, business, Common Property Resources (CPRs) and resettlement benefits. The
scope of work of INGO as mentioned in the RP is as follows;

1. Conduct census, inventory of lost assets and support to JVC and PVAC;
2. Assist in the land acquisition process;
3. Support in the compensation/assistance distribution process;
4. Resettlement and land acquisition consultation and participation activities;
5. Resettlement activities data management and monitoring;

14
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

6. Assistance in finding an alternative place / plot to rent/buy;

7. Assistance and participation to Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) and
8. Coordinate with and support DORP-PATHMARK in conducting the Livelihood
Improvement Training Program (LITP)
9. Conduct/Liaise HIV/AIDS and Anti-Trafficking Awareness Campaign,
10. Support in the implementation of Gender-related activities;
11. Support the implementation of the Railway Safety Awareness campaign to the
communities.
12. Carrying out assistance in Land Acquisition and identification of titled and Non-
titled holders.

E.3 Establishment of Resettlement Unit in Construction Supervision Consultancy (CSC):

Bangladesh Railway had recruited the Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC), SMEC
international in JV with CANARAIL, SYSTRA and ACE under Contract No. PD/HHZ-COX/CSC1
Loan No.3439 (SF) - BAN dated 14 September, 2017. Table 5 shows composition of the CSC
Resettlement Team below.
Table 5: Composition of CSC Resettlement Team
Sl. Position No Remarks
.
1. Social/Resettlement Specialist (International) 1 Recruited & deployed
2. Senior Resettlement Specialist (National) 1 Recruited & deployed
3. Mid-Level Resettlement & Gender Specialist (National) 1 Recruited & deployed
4. Junior Resettlement & Gender Specialist (National) 2 Recruited & deployed
Total 5

E.4 Asian Development Bank (ADB):

The ADB Mission Team conducted site visits and review meetings on a regular basis. Detailed
information on institutional arrangement/functions is given in Table 6.

Table 6. Institutional Arrangements/Functions

Organization
1 2
ADB – Bangladesh
Resident Mission
Bangladesh Railway-
PIU
SMEC International
(CSC) -Construction
Supervision Consultant
INGO (DORP-Pathmark
Joint Verification
Committee (JVC)
Property Valuation
Advisory Committee
(PVAC)
Grievance Redress
Committee (GRC)
Activity
 Provides guidance through regular meetings
 BR, the executing agency implementing the project activities
through the assistance of CSC, INGO, PMC and Construction
Contractor.
 Prepare budget and report to concern ministry & ADB.
 Provide support to the engineering team during construction in
minimizing social and resettlement impacts of the projects.
 Monitor the INGO activities, site visit, conduct training
programs and prepared report for BR.
 Identification of Affected persons, valuation of losses;
 prepares resettlement budget, provides support to JVC, PVAC
and GRC.
 Reviews and verifies inventory of losses for titled and non-
titled APs.
 Submits Joint verification Form to the PD for approval.
 Determines the current market price/replacement cost of
affected assets and submits to the ministry for approval.
 Determination of losses not identified correctly;
 Rectify compensation not as per entitlement matrix;
 Mediate in land disputes about ownership;
 Facilitate payment of compensation/assistance;
 Assist improper distribution of compensation in case of joint
ownership.

15
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

E.5 Formation of Committees (JVC, PVAC and GRC):

The government constituted the Joint Verification Committee (JVC), the Property Valuation
Advisory Committee (PVAC) and the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) for the Project to
ascertain the quantum of losses and valuation of affected assets through an administrative order
No. 54.00.0000.006.014.11.2016-555 dated 02 November 2017. Meanwhile BR has formed all
the committees. These committees have been functioning accordingly.
E.5.1 Composition of the Joint Verification Committee (JVC):
(I) Deputy Director-Resettlement, BR - Convener
(II) Representative of the concerned Deputy Commissioner - Member
(III) Area Manager of INGO - Member-Secretary

E.5.1.1 The ToR of the JVC Committee:

INGO is conducting the inventory of losses (IOL) surveys. The Joint Verification Committee
(JVC) is jointly verifying the IOL. It is updating and reviewing the IOL for titled and Non-titled APs.
All verifications are documented in a Joint verification form that is submitted to the PD for
approval.

E.5.2 Composition of the Property Valuation Advisory Committee (PVAC):

1. Deputy Director-Resettlement, BR Convener

2. Representative of the concerned Deputy Commissioner Member
3. Upazila Chairman or his authorized Representative Member
4. Executive Engineer, PWD or his Representative, Concerned District Member
5. Area Manager of INGO Member Secretary
E.5.2.1 The ToR of the Committee:

The Property Valuation Advisory Committee (PVAC) determines the current market price /
replacement cost of affected assets.

E.5.3 Composition of Local and Project Level GRC:

Local level:

(i) Deputy Director-Resettlement, BR or his nominated Representative - Convener

(ii) Representative of the Local Government Institution - Member
(v) Woman Representative of Local Government Institution/UP - Member
(vi) Representative of the affected Persons - Member
(v) Area Manager of INGO - Member Secretary

Project Level:

(i) Project Director or his nominated representative -Convener

(ii) Resettlement Expert, CSC -Member
(iii) Team Leader of INGO -Member Secretary

E.5.3.1 The ToR of the GRC:

The major functions of the GRCs will be, but not limited to,
a) Further determination of losses which were identified incorrectly earlier,
b) Rectify compensation/assistance not as per entitlement matrix
c) Mediate in redressing disputes on ownership of affected properties and assets
d) Facilitate delay in disbursement of compensation/assistance

16
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

e) Assist in proper distribution of compensation/assistance in case of joint ownership.

f) Valuation of affected assets.

17
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

E.6 INGO’s assistance for JVC PVAC and GRC:

The INGO is collecting data as per approved questionnaires; verifying, tabulating, and valuating
the losses. The INGO then prepares the compensation estimates, including necessary support
to the JVC/PVAC/GRC.
E.7 LA process in Bangladesh & Role of Deputy Commissioner (DC):
Legal Frameworks for Land Acquisition in Bangladesh Context:

Constitutional obligation for development works, acquisition of lands and payment of

compensation for acquired lands is a constitutional obligation under Article 42 of the Constitution
of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, quoted below:
“42. (1) Subject to any restrictions imposed law, every citizen shall have the right to
acquire, hold, transfer or otherwise dispose of property, and no property shall be
compulsorily acquired, nationalized or requisitioned save by authority of law.”
[(2) A law made under clause (1) of this article shall provide for the acquisition,
nationalization or requisition with compensation and shall fix the amount of
compensation of specify the principles on which, and the manner in which, the
compensation is to be assessed and paid; but no such law shall be called in
question in any court on the ground that any provision of the law in respect of such
compensation is not adequate)]
To acquire lands for undertaking the project, Bangladesh Railway (BR) has followed the
procedures and principles laid down in the Ordinance II of 1982 as promulgated by the President
of Bangladesh & ARIPA (September 21, 2017) as well. The Deputy Commissioners (DCs),
Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar district (project influence Zones) are exercising the Regulatory
Authority as ‘Acquiring Body (AB)’ some important sections of the Ordinance-1982 highlighted in
Table 7 below:
Table- 7 LA process in Bangladesh (as per Ordinance II of 1982)
Under
Topic Procedures
Section
Whenever it appears to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) that
any property in any locality is needed or is likely to be needed
for any public purpose or in the public interest, he shall cause
Publication of
a notice to be published at convenient places on or near the
preliminary
Under property in the prescribed form and manner stating that the
notice of
Section-3 property is proposed to be acquired:
acquisition of
property
Provided, that no property used by the public for the purpose
of religious worship, graveyard and cremation ground shall be
acquired.
Any person interested in any property which has been notified
Objection under section 3 as being needed or likely to be needed for a
Under
against public purpose or in the public interest may, within 15 (fifteen
Section-4
acquisition days after the publication of the notice, submit written.
The Government or, as the case may be, the Divisional
Final decision Commissioner, after considering the report submitted by the
Under
regarding Deputy Commissioner under section 4 (3), shall make a
Section 5
acquisition decision about the acquisition of the property and such
decision shall be final.

18
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Under
Topic Procedures
Section
When the Government, the Divisional Commissioner or the
Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, has made a
decision for acquisition of any property under section 5 or the
proviso to section 4 (3) (b), as the case may be, the Deputy
Commissioner shall cause public notice to be given in the
Under Notice to
prescribed manner at convenient places on or near such
Section 6 person
interested. property stating that decision has been taken to-

Acquire the property and intends to take possession thereof,

and that claim to compensation for all interests in such
property may be made to him.
(1) In determining the amount of compensation to be awarded
for any property to be acquired under this Part, the Deputy
Commissioner shall take into consideration-
(a) The market value of the property at the date of
publication of the notice under section 3;

Matters to be Provided that in determining such market value, the Deputy

considered in Commissioner shall take into account the average value, to be
Under calculated in the prescribed manner, of the properties of similar
determining
Section 8
compensatio description and with similar advantages in the vicinity during
n the twelve months preceding the date of publication of the
notice under section3;
(2) In addition to the market value of the property as provided
in sub-section (1), the Deputy Commissioner shall in every
case award a sum of “fifty percent” on such market value
in consideration of the compulsory nature of the
acquisition.”

F. Land Acquisition (LA)

The Land Acquisition is implemented based on the Ordinance II of 1982 and the approved RP as
well as the revised alignment of the project. The Design Consultant prepared the Land
Acquisition Proposals (LAPs) and submitted the same to the BR. After verifications of the LA
Proposals, some LAPs have been corrected and revised. At present, a total of 1367.3664 acres
of the Land has been finalized for acquisition, which has been segregated in 10 LA Cases for the
two districts. Meanwhile, all land handed over to BR by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of
Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. The DCs have also been disbursing compensation to the titled
holders continuously. BR is disbursing the Top-up and RB Payment of Title Holders (TH) as per the
approved RP. ID card distribution of THs also underway and payment is being made. Table 8
shows (i) LA case wise date of submission of land acquisition proposals (LAPs), (ii) LA case wise
distribution of required amount of lands (acre) for implementing the Project, and (iii) service of
notices under sections 3, 6 & 7.

19
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Table 8: Submission date of LA Proposals and service of notices under sections 3, 6 & 7
under Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar district

SI. No. Submission of Service of notices U/S 3, 6 & 7(Date)

LA Case No. Land Required
LA Proposal
(Acre) U/S-3 U/S-6 U/S-7
(Date)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 09/2016-17 30.08.2016 10.1725 11.12.2016 09.08.2017 30.11.2017
2 31/2016-17 20.11.2016 55.0940 30.04.2017 13.02.2018 10.06.2018
3 32/2016-17 20.11.2016 27.6325 30.04.2017 20.12.2017 14.03.2018
4 33/2016-17 20.11.2016 51.1150 23.05.2017 20.12.2017 05.06.2018
5 34/2016-17 20.11.2016 42.5105 11.06.2017 20.12.2017 06.05.2018
6 35/2016-17 05.12.2016 85.0401 13.06.2017 22.02.2018 03.06.2018
7 36/2016-17 05.12.2016 92.8764 17.07.2017 22.03.2018 18.11.2018
Sub Total 364.4405

1 02/2016-17 15.12.2015 514.0091 19.09.2016 15.07.2018 27.11.2018

2 03/2016-17 15.12.2015 278.4908 20.09.2016 01.02.2018 25.06.2018
3 04/2016-17 15.12.2015 210.426 20.09.2016 12.10.2017 26.12.2017
Sub Total 1002.9259
Grand Total 1367.3664

[U/S-3 (Preliminary notice to people): Publication of Preliminary Notice of Acquisition of Property saying that
proposal sent to government for acquiring the land for public interest. The interested people can lodge objection
against the acquisition within 15 days, if any.

U/S-6 (notice to interested person): Government has decided to acquire the land. The affected persons
entitled to claim compensation as against his/her losses, according to the legal framework.

U/S-7 (notice to respective people saying to come at DC office with papers for compensation): Deputy
Commissioner office declared and ensure the compensation payment for affected persons against the loss of
land and assets. This notice includes amount of money with necessary identity of affected people. This notice
also notifies the affected people to come at DC office with necessary documents for submitting applications for
receiving compensation under law.

G. Land Handover and CCL Payments up to June 2019

Table 9 shows that a total of 1,367.3664 acres of lands has been handed over to the BR by DC
Offices, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. There are 10,118 awardees under the Project. Estimated
amount of cost for land acquisition is BDT 22,002.98 million. A total of BDT 13,468.30 million
have been disbursed to the affected THs by respective DC Offices.

H.1. Payments of Resettlement Benefits (RB) to THs:

Table 10 shows that a total of 5,328 awardees received CCL from respective DC Offices. Of
5,328 awardees, valuation and budget has been completed for 1,864 awardees. Of 1,864
awardees with completed valuation and budget, EP ID cards have been issued and distributed to
456 title holder EPs. Of 456 title holder EPs, 98 EPs received Top Up and resettlement benefits
from BR. Valuation and budget has been approved for Chandanaish and Cox’s Bazar Upazila of
Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar district respectively. Accordingly, a total of BDT 47.12 million has
been determined through the above-mentioned valuation process. Of determined valuation and
budget BDT 47.12 million, BDT 27.82 million (59.04%) has been paid to the title holder EPs.

20
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

H.2. Payments of Resettlement Benefits (RB) to NTHs:

Table 11 shows that a total of 125 non-title holders (NTHs) including 85 and 40 NTHs were found
in Chandanaish and Lohagara Upazila respectively under Chattogram district. EP ID cards had
been prepared, issued and distributed to the 125 NTHs (100%). Of 125 NTHs, 119 NTHs
(95.2%) received resettlement benefits and assistance from BR. Budget amount BDT 40.01
million had been prepared for payment of compensation, resettlement benefits and assistance for
125 NTHs as of June 2019. BDT 36.36 million (90.88%) had been paid to the 119 NTHs as of
June 2019. On the other hand, a total of 750 NTHs including 415, 157 and 178 NTHs were found
in Chakaria, Ramu and Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila respectively under Cox’s Bazar District. EP
ID cards had been prepared, issued and distributed to the 687 NTHs (91.6%). Of 687 NTHs
received ID cards, 490 NTHs (71.32%) received resettlement benefits and assistance from BR.
Budget amount BDT 272.94 million had been prepared for payment of compensation,
resettlement benefits and assistance for 750 NTHs as of June. BDT 192.61 million (70.57%) had
been paid to the 490 NTHs as of June 2019. In terms of financial reporting, BDT 36.36 million in
Chattogram and BDT 192.61 million in Cox’s Bazar have been disbursed up to June, 2019.

21
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Table 9: Land handover to BR, estimated cost for acquisition and compensation payment up to June 2019
LA Case Compensation of THs Remark
Number Land Handover to BR Chainage Estimated cost (BDT Million)
s
Valuation
Area (acre) completed Paid CCL to
Total Paid compensation
From To awardees Estimated
Upazilla Area (acre) Date awarde
KM KM cost
es (No.)
No ( %) No
% Amount %
a b c d e f g h i j jx100/h k l ix100/k k
A. Chattogram District
Chandana 09/2016-17 10.1725 10.1725 19.12.17 -2 +000 +0.500 147 147 100 88 179.39 140.46 78.30
is 59.86

CC L payment ongoing
Satkania 31/2016-17 55.0935 55.0935 14.06.18 +.500 +6.000 613 613 100 332 54.16 1084.99 724.44 66.77
32/2016-17 27.6325 27.6325 10.04.18 +6.000 +8.100 393 393 100 262 775.60 595.19 76.74
66.67
33/2016-17 51.1150 51.1150 12.06.18 +8.100 +11.600 522 522 100 241 46.17 723.65 441.48 61.01
34/2016-17 42.5105 42.5105 31.05.18 +11.600 +15.400 624 624 100 391 62.66 914.67 850.39 92.97
Lohagara 35/2016-17 85.0401 85.0401 02.08.18 +15.400 +22.200 905 905 100 464 51.27 2018.66 1407.26 69.71
36/2016-17 92.8764 92.8764 28.11.18 +22.200 29.000 548 548 100 86 1169.47 911.99 77.98
15.69
Sub-Total 364.4405 364.4405 – – 0 0 100 0 49.68 0 01 73.86
B. Cox’s Bazar District
Chakaria 02/2016-17 514.0091 514.0091 22.12.18 +29.000 +68.351 2640 2640 100 747 28.30 3241.01 1101.49 33.99

ongoingCC L payment
Ramu 03/2016- 278.4908 278.4908 19.07.18 +77.658 +98.100 2062 2062 100 1099 3047.02 1781.17
53.30 58.46
2017
Cox’s 04/2016-17 210.4260 210.4260 08.01.18 +68.351 +77.658 1664 1664 100 1618 8848.52 5514.43
62.32
Bazar +98.100 +101.477 97.24
Sadar
Sub-Total 1,002.9259 0 0 0 100 0 54.41 0 0
55.48
Grand Total 1,367.3664 1,367.3664 10118 10118 100 5328 52.66 22002.98 13468.30 61.21

22
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Table 10: Payment status of the Resettlement Benefits and ID Card Distribution for Title Holders (TH) up to June 2019

Titled Holders Amount ( million) Remarks

Awardee Valuation
received CCL Completed by ID card Payee % of Valuation Paid %
Upazila Issued (No) payee (Budget) amount (gx100/f)
from DC Office JVC
(dx100/C)
a b c d e f g h i
A. Chattogram District
Chandanaish 88 194 151 62 41.06 24.33 15.71 64.57 Remaining payment ongoing
Satkania 1226 457 86 0 0 0 0 0 PVAC’s rate has not been
Lohagara 550 201 39 0 0 0 0 0 approved as of June 2019.
Sub total 0 0 276 62 22.46 24.33 15.71 64.57
B. Cox’s Bazar District
Chakaraia 747 124 0 0 0 0 0 0 PVAC’s rate has not been
Ramu 1099 550 58 0 0 0 0 0 approved as of June 2019.
Cox’s Bazar Sadar 1618 320 122 36 29.51 22.79 12.11 53.14 Remaining payment ongoing
Sub-total 0 0 180 36 20.00 22.79 12.11 53.14
Grand Total 5328 1864 456 98 21.49 47.12 27.82 59.04

23
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Table 11: Status of Resettlement Benefits (RB) Payments to NTHs and ID Card Distribution among NTHs
Upazilla Completed Valuation of Lost Structures and Assets, Issuance of EP ID Cards Amount of BDT (million) Remarks
and Payment of RB (NTHs)
Valuation ID card issuance Payee (RB paid) Valuation Paid %
Completed (NTH No % (bx100/a) No % (Budget) amount (fx100/e)
Identified by JVC) (dx100/b)

a b c d e f g

Chandanaish 85 85 100 84 98.82 16.45 14.07 85.53 Payment on going

Satkania 0 0 000 0 0 0 0 0 NTH not available

Lohagara 40 40 100 35 87.5 23.56 22.29 94.59 Payment on going
Sub total 0 0 100 0 95.00 0 0 90.88

Chakaraia 415 352 84.82 230 65.34 145.28 85.06 58.55 Payment on going
Ramu 157 157 100 102 64.49 56.98 41.75 73.27 Payment on going
Cox’s Bazar Sadar 178 178 100 158 89.76 70.68 65.80 93.10 Payment on going
Sub-total 0 687 91.60 490 71.32 0 0 70.57
Grand Total 875 812 92.82 609 75.00 312.95 228.97 73.17

24
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

I. Identification and assistance of vulnerable households:

In accordance with ADB’s SPS 2009, assistance measures to support the households who are physically
displaced and special measures for vulnerable households have been included in the RP. The Joint
Verification Committee - JVC has identified 449 vulnerable households. Accordingly, BR has paid
resettlement benefits to 305 vulnerable households and payment of resettlement benefits to the vulnerable
households is ongoing. Detailed information on payments of resettlement benefits to vulnerable households
is given in Table -12.
Table 12: Category wise Vulnerable Payment
Vulnerability Estimated No. of EP Assistance to Disbursement (BDT)
Category Amount Identified Vulnerable HHs
(BDT) No. % Amount %
BPL 2780000 278 196 70.5 1960000 70.50
Elderly 190000 19 14 73.68 140000 73.68
Disabled 95000 8 7 87.5 80000 84.21
Female-
2160000 144 88 61.11 1320000 61.11
headed
Total: 0 0 0 67.93 0 66.99

J. Common Property Resources:

A total of 48 CPRs under DCRP were identified as of June, 2019. Of 48 identified CPRs, 12 CPRs in
Chattogram District and 36 in Cox’s Bazar District. The JVC has approved 4 (four) CPRs and the PVAC
will determine their Replacement Value. The INGO has conducted consultations with affected persons
due to acquisition of the CPRs.
K. Income and Livelihood Restoration Program (ILRP):
The Livelihood Improvement Training will be provided to one member of each vulnerable and severely
affected household. It will be up to the household to designate the eligible member. Training courses will
be prepared through a needs assessment of the participants. Each participant will also receive a seed
grant upon completion of the course. To encourage families to send female participants, the seed grant
provided to women will be higher (BDT 35,000.00) than the one offered to men (BD 25,000.00). A
separate institution specialized in skills development will be recruited by BR to conduct the training
effectively.
L. Consultation, Information Campaign and Participatory Process:
At the onset of the RP implementation, the INGO started the distribution of a Leaflet and resettlement
information booklets (Punorbason Pustika) among the affected people. During the field visit of the ADB
external monitor, BR, the CSC and the INGO consultations conducted FGDs with the affected persons
and stakeholders. Details are shown in the Table 13 below:

Table 13: Status of Information Campaign

Achieved up to
Sl No. Activities Unit
June 2019
1 2 3 4
1. Public Announcement Hour 433
2 Distribution of Leaflet No. 12,135
3 Distribution of documentary booklet No. 6,150
4 Personal contact EP/AP 5460
5 Meetings/workshops/presentations/Discussions/Trainings
5.1 Consultation Meeting No. 24
5.2 Focus Group Discussion No. 168
5.3 Awareness Sessions No. 21
5.4 Workshops No. 12

25
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Achieved up to
Sl No. Activities Unit
June 2019
1 2 3 4
5.6 Training No. 2

M. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM):

The Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) has been established to facilitate the affected people and
their communities to voice grievances, complaints and concerns linked to the Project for ensuring
accountability towards the affected persons through redressing their grievances, complaints and
concerns.
This mechanism (GRM) has been readily accessible to all project affected persons and other concerned
people as per the RP. The 32 (thirty-two) Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) had been formed at
local level [municipality and/or Union Parishad (local administration level)] and one project-level
committee had been formed that is based at Chattogram. Preferably grievance cases are resolved by
local level GRC. If any grievances are not resolved by local level GRC, then the grievance will be onward
transmitted to the project level GRC.
The contact information of the local level committee focal person will be posted on sign boards in different
relevant locations along the alignment. It has already been mentioned earlier that BR has established
GRCs to resolve grievances and complaints during the project intervention. As per the RP Grievance
Redress Committees (GRCs) resolve grievances and complaints amicably by bringing together the
contestants. The GRCs, however, will not provide legal advice to the contestants. Subsequently, training
on GRM had been imparted to the Resettlement Workers, the Area Managers, the Resettlement
Specialists and the Team Leader. Upazila wise distribution of 32 (thirty-two) of GRCs is presented in
Table 14. Now, GRM related activities including holding GRC meetings have been going on.
Table 14: Distribution of GRCs by Upazila under the Project
Sl # Name Of Upazila No.of GRC formed Remarks
01. Chandanaish 1 Grievances, complaints and concerns are
02. Sathkania 5 being received at project site for redressing
03. Lohagara 5 them.
04. Chakaria 10
05. Ramu 5
06. Cox,s Bazar Sadar 6
Total 0

IV. GENERAL COMMENTS:

The following observations have been made during the monitoring of the ongoing project activities from
the beginning throughout activities implemented up to June 2019. More specifically, remedial actions had
been taken regarding specific issues observed and described under to heading “Monitoring Results
and Key Findings” (in column 2) to expedite the land acquisition and resettlement activities mentioned
in the Table 15 below:
Table-15: General comments on Specific implementation issues

Particulars Monitoring Results and Key Findings Action Taken

1 2 3
Census &  Some field Staff are not adequately  INGO imparted several trainings
Socio- skilled to conduct survey using survey to the field staff with the guidance
economic questionnaire. of BR officials based on
Survey  Lack of proper knowledge of local monitoring observations. Some
language hindered collection of local staff were recruited, trained
necessary information from the local and deployed for tackling the
people. language barrier.

26
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Land  Actually, land acquisition matter is  Holding regular meetings with

acquisition handled by the Deputy Commissioner concerned officials on specific
Office with the assistance of Public Works issues to overcome the problem.
Department (PWD), Forest department,  INGO field staff providing
INGO, CSC and BR. During the joint necessary assistance to the DC
verification survey some structures and Office for proper submission of
trees were missed in the field book. application of EPs.
 The fourth SMR presented that payment  Some staff had already been
of Cash Compensation under Law (CCL) deployed in the DC Office.
from the DC Office to a total of 2,895 title
holder affected persons (as of December
2018) had been progressed slowly due to
disputes over ownership of affected lands
and assets, and shortage of manpower in
the DC Office as well.
 The fifth SMR presents that CCL has
been paid to a total of 5,328 title holder
affected persons (as of June 2019).
Entitlements  Identification of EPs for making payments  Follow up had been done
to the identified EPs against their lost frequently to expedite payments
lands and assets as per Entitlement of entitlements to the EPs.
Matrix had been ongoing process during
January 2019 through June 2019.
Public  Public consultation, consultation meeting,  Female staff members were
consultation focus group discussion with the affected engaged from INGO in holding
and disclosure people and their communities including consultation meetings with the
holding consultation meetings with female female affected persons.
affected persons facilitated by female  Local staff were recruited, trained
staff members of INGO for gathering and deployed for consultation
and/or exchanging views on land meetings for ensuring effective
acquisition and resettlement. More and efficient information
specifically, Information dissemination campaign on entitlements,
had been taken place through loud process of payment of
announcement with mike/loud speaker, compensation, resettlement
distribution of leaflets and resettlement benefits and assistance to the
information booklets. EPs with comparatively less
 Most of the female participants seemed to familiarity and understanding of
be token participants at the meetings. the national language.
Absence of local languages in  Enhancing the respective
consultation meetings hinder participants activities by cluster wise
to gain deeper understanding of consultation and message
discussed matters in consultation dissemination extensively.
meetings.
Resettlement  The Project is a linear project where there  INGO staff providing necessary
Sites is no provision of land for land option assistance to EPs to identify their
taking into account the practicality. As a alternative place for their self-
result, there is no provision of relocation.
resettlement site(s) under this project.
Implementatio  INGO, CSC and Construction Contractor  The Project Management
n have been engaged and deployed to Consultant (PMC) has been
Arrangements implement the Project including engaged and deployed.
implementation of the approved RP.
Recently, the Project Management
Consultant (PMC) has been engaged and
deployed.

27
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

V. SUCCESS STORIES

Some success stories of the resettled persons under Chandanaish (Chattogram) and Chakaria & Ramu
(Cox’s Bazar) are presented below.

Success Story -1:

Md. Shafiul Alam (46), a non-title holder affected person, EP ID
no. 1114#005. His occupation is agriculture. No. of his family
members is 5. He is an inhabitant of Dohazari mouza under
Chandanaish Upazila. He lost his structure built on public land.
He was given compensation, resettlement benefits and
assistance BDT 746,814 (RC, TG, RG, etc.) by BR. DORP-
PATHMARK (INGO) provided him necessary assistance in
finding land for purchasing. He purchased 4 decimals of land at
BDT 330,000 in the same mouza after receiving compensation,
resettlement benefits and assistance from BR. Now, Mr. Alam is
happy with getting a permanent address (Staye Thikana) in the Mr. Shafiul Alam, EP ID 1114#0005
above-mentioned mouza.
Success Story-2:
Zahirul Islam (38), a non-title holder affected person, EP ID no. is
2414#0475. His occupation is fisherman. No. of family members
is 7. He is an inhabitant of Dulahazra mouza under Chakaria
Upazila who lost his structure built on public land. He was given
compensation and resettlement benefits BDT 9,62,100 (RC, TG,
RG, etc.) by BR. DORP-PATHMARK (INGO) provided him
necessary assistance in finding land for purchasing. He
purchased 40 decimals of land at BDT 550,000 in the same
mouza after receiving compensation, resettlement benefits and
assistance from BR (picture of new house on his purchased Mr.Zahirul Islam, EP ID 241#0475
land). Now Mr. Islam has his own permanent address.

Success Story -3:

Gun Nahar (42 years), a housewife, non-title holder affected
person and inhabitant of Dhalirchara under Ramu Upazila. EP ID
no. is 2524#1711. No. of her family member is 3. She lost
structure on public land. She received compensation,
resettlement benefits and assistance BDT 1844,938 from BR.
DORP-PATHMARK (INGO) provided her necessary assistance in
finding land for purchasing. She purchased 28 decimals of land
at 950,000 after receiving compensation and resettlement
benefits. Her purchased land is highland which is suitable for self-
relocation along with other uses (e.g., agriculture and vegetable
Gun Nahar, EP ID 2524#0171
gardening) as and when required. She is planning for permanent
self-relocation of her structure on purchased land as soon as
possible.

28
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

VI. CONCLUSION:

There was a requirement of 1,367.3664 acres of lands for implementation of different components of the
Project. The Acquiring Bodies – DC Offices, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar acquired private lands and/or
taken over public lands from private or public use. All acquired lands (1,367.3664 acres) had already
been handed over to the BR by the respective DC Offices. Subsequently, acquired lands had already
been handed over to the Construction Contractors by BR for construction works. Consequently,
implementation of construction works under the Project has been ensured through handing over
encumbrance free lands to the Construction Contractors.

The estimated amount of cost for land acquisition is BDT 22,000.98 million (BDT 6,869.43 and BDT
15,136.55 million at Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar Respectively). Payments of cash compensation under
law (CCL) for lands by the DCs, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar have been ongoing. A total 5,328 titled
holder affected persons (1,864 THs and 3,464 THs at Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar respectively) received
CCL from DC Offices.

The Resettlement Plan (RP) of the Project is being implemented by BR with the assistance of the INGO
(DORP-PATHMARK) and the CSC team. The BR had made adequate efforts to mitigate adverse
impacts, risks and situations up to June 2019. The BR has explored all possible ways to mitigate adverse
impacts and situations. The BR had taken into account the requirements of construction works in the
priority sections along the RoW. More specifically, the BR had made payments of compensation,
resettlement benefits and assistance to the affected people (Titled & Non-Titled households) including the
THs and NTHs affected in the priority sections of construction works. Last but not the least, social
safeguard issues are being addressed properly by the BR during the implementation of the Project
following the approved RP and ADB’s SPS 2009.

29
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

Annexure-1

Honorable Minister, the Ministry of Railways visited Project site (28 February 2019)

Project site visit by ADB Consultants (January 16-17, 2019)

DD Resettlement of BR distributing cheques to female headed APs.

30
 SASEC: Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Railway Project, Phase-1

ICONIC STATION BUILDING AT COX'S BAZAR

31