Recently, there has been some confusion in the media regarding the 6-acre land agreement between Nepal and Bangladesh for the development of a Buddhist cultural center and pagoda in Lumbini. While some reports have suggested that the land has been granted free of charge, it is important to clarify that the land has actually been leased to Bangladesh for 99 years.
Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain confirmed that the land will be used to promote religious and cultural activities in Lumbini, a region with a rich Buddhist heritage. The Nepalese government has expressed its support for providing land to such cultural initiatives, especially in areas with established Buddhist communities.
The cultural center and pagoda project, backed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Buddhist Welfare Trust, has been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), with an estimated cost of 68 crore BDT (approximately 8 million USD). This project marks a significant cultural milestone for both countries.
While there has been widespread media coverage of the land being a “free gift,” this is a misconception. In fact, the land has been leased, not donated, and the ownership remains with Nepal. As with most international land agreements, the lease could involve financial terms, which may include a one-time payment or periodic payments over the course of the lease, although the full details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
This formal lease arrangement allows Bangladesh to develop the land for the cultural center and pagoda while Nepal retains ownership. It is a common international practice for countries to lease land for development while maintaining sovereignty over it.
By sharing this clarification, it’s important for the public to understand the true nature of the agreement, as it plays a significant role in cultural exchange and religious engagement between the two countries.
