Bangladesh Trusts Act 1882

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The Trusts Act, 1882

( ACT NO. II OF 1882 )
[ 13th January, 1882 ]
1♣An
Act to define and amend the law relating to Private Trusts and Trustees.
Preamble
WHEREAS it is expedient to define and amend the law relating to private trusts and trustees; It
is hereby enacted as follows:-
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
Short title 1. This Act may be called the Trusts Act, 1882: and it shall come into force
Commencemen
on the first day of March, 1882.
Local It extends to the whole of Bangladesh. But nothing herein contained

extent
Savings affects the rules of 2[Muslim] law as to waqf, or the mutual relations of the
members of an undivided family as determined by any customary or
personal law, or applies to public or private religious or charitable

endowments, or to trust to distribute prizes taken in war among the
captors; and nothing in the second Chapter of this Act applies to trusts
created before the said day.
[Omitted] 2. [Omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws
(Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973).]
Interpretation- 3. A “trust” is an obligation annexed to the ownership of property, and

clause
arising out of a confidence reposed in and accepted by the owner, or
declared and accepted by him, for the benefit of another, or of another and
the owner: the person who reposes or declares the confidence is called
the “author of the trust”: the person who accepts the confidence is called
the “trustee”: the person for whose benefit the confidence is accepted is
called the “beneficiary”: the subject-matter of the trust is called “trust-
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property” or “trust-money”: the “beneficial interest” or “interest” of the
beneficiary is his right against the trustee as owner of the trust-property;
and the instrument, if any, by which the trust is declared is called the
“instrument of trust”:
a breach of any duty imposed on a trustee, as such, by any law for the
time being in force, is called a “breach of trust”:
Expressions And in this Act, unless there be something repugnant in the subject or
defined in
Act IX of context, “registered” means registered under the law for the registration of
1872 documents for the time being in force: a person is said to have “notice” of
a fact either when he actually knows that fact, or when, but for wilful
abstention from inquiry or gross negligence, he would have known it, or
when information of the fact is given to or obtained by his agent, under the
circumstances mentioned in the Contract Act, 1872, section 229; and all
expressions used herein and defined in the Contract Act, 1872, shall be
deemed to have the meanings respectively attributed to them by that Act.
CHAPTER II
OF THE CREATION OF TRUSTS
Lawful 4. A trust may be created for any lawful purpose. The purpose of a trust is
purpose
lawful unless it is (a) forbidden by law, or (b) is of such a nature that, if
permitted, it would defeat the provisions of any law, or (c) is fraudulent, or
(d) involves or implies injury to the person or property of another, or (e) the
Court regards it as immoral or opposed to public policy.
Every trust of which the purpose is unlawful is void. And where a trust is
created for two purposes, of which one is lawful and the other unlawful,
and the two purposes cannot be separated, the whole trust is void.
Explanation - In this section the expression “law” includes, where the trust-
property is immoveable and situate in a foreign country, the law of such
country.
Illustrations
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(a) A conveys property to B in trust to apply the profits to the nurture of
female foundings to be trained up as prostitutes. The trust is void.
(b) A bequeaths property to B in trust to employ it in carrying on a
smuggling business, and out of the profits thereof to support A's children.
The trust is void.
(c) A, while in insolvent circumstances, transfers property to B in trust for A
during his life, and after his death for B. A is declared an insolvent. The
trust for A is invalid as against his creditors.
Trust of 5. No trust in relation to immoveable property is valid unless declared by a

immoveable
property non-testamentary instrument in writing signed by the author of the trust or
the trustee and registered, or by the will of the author of the trust or of the
trustee.
Trust of No trust in relation to moveable property is valid unless declared as

moveable
property aforesaid, or unless the ownership of the property is transferred to the
trustee.
These rules do not apply where they would operate so as to effectuate a

fraud.
Creation of 6. Subject to the provisions of section 5, a trust is created when the author
trust
of the trust indicates with reasonable certainty by any words or acts (a) an
intention on his part to create thereby a trust, (b) the purpose of the trust,
(c) the beneficiary, and (d) the trust-property, and (unless the trust is
declared by will or the author of the trust is himself to be the trustee)
transfers the trust- property to the trustee.
Illustrations
(a) A bequeaths certain property to B, “having the fullest confidence that
he will dispose of it for the benefit of C”. This creates a trust so far as
regards A and C.
(b) A bequeaths certain property to B, “hoping he will continue it in the
family”. This does not create a trust, as the beneficiary is not indicated with
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reasonable certainty.
(c) A bequeaths certain property to B, requesting him to distribute it among
such members of C's family as B should think most deserving. This does
not create a trust, for the beneficiaries are not indicated with reasonable
certainty.
(d) A bequeaths certain property to B, desiring him to divide the bulk of it
among C's children. This does not create a trust, for the trust-property is
not indicated with sufficient certainty.
(e) A bequeaths a shop and stock-in-trade to B, on condition that he pays
A's debts and a legacy to C. This is a condition, not a trust for A's creditors
and C.
Who may 7. A trust may be created-

create
trusts (a) by every person competent to contract, and,
(b) with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, by
or on behalf of a minor;
but subject in each case to the law for the time being in force as to the
circumstances and extent in and to which the author of the trust may
dispose of the trust –property.
Subject of 8. The subject-matter of a trust must be properly transferable to the

trust
beneficiary.
It must not be merely beneficial interest under a subsisting trust.
Who may 9. Every person capable of holding property may be a beneficiary.

be
beneficiary
Disclaimer A proposed beneficiary may renounce his interest under the trust by
by
beneficiary disclaimer addressed to the trustee, or by setting up, with notice of the
trust, a claim inconsistent therewith.
Who may 10. Every person capable of holding property may be a trustee; but, where
be trustee
the trust involves the exercise of discretion, he cannot execute it unless he
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is competent to contract.
No one No one is bound to accept a trust.

bound to
accept trust
Acceptance A trust is accepted by any words or acts of the trustee indicating with
of trust
reasonable certainty such acceptance.
Disclaimer Instead of accepting a trust, the intended trustee may, within a reasonable
of trust
period, disclaim it, and such disclaimer shall prevent the trust-property
from vesting in him.
A disclaimer by one of two or more co-trustees vests the trust-property in
the other or others, and makes him or them sole trustee or trustees from
the date of the creation of the trust.
Illustrations
(a) A bequeaths certain property to B and C, his executors, as trustees for
D. B and C prove A's will. This is in itself an acceptance of the trust, and B
and C hold the property in trust for D.
(b) A transfers certain property to B in trust to sell it and to pay out of the
proceeds A's debts. B accepts the trust and sells the property. So far as
regards B, a trust of the proceeds is created for A's creditors.
(c) A bequeaths a lakh of Taka to B upon certain trusts and appoints him
his executor. B severs the lakh from the general assets and appropriates it
to the specific purpose. This is an acceptance of the trust.
CHAPTER III
OF THE DUTIES AND LIABILITIES OF TRUSTEES
Trustee to 11. The trustee is bound to fulfil the purpose of the trust, and to obey the
execute
trust directions of the author of the trust given at the time of its creation, except
as modified by the consent of all the beneficiaries being competent to
contract.
Where the beneficiary is incompetent to contract, his consent may, for the
purposes of this section, be given by a principal Civil Court of original

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jurisdiction.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require a trustee to obey any
direction when to do so would be impracticable, illegal or manifestly
injurious to the beneficiaries.
Explanation - Unless a contrary intention be expressed, the purpose of a
trust for the payment of debts shall be deemed to be (a) to pay only the
debts of the author of the trust existing and recoverable at the date of the
instrument of trust, or, when such instrument is a will, at the date of his
death, and (b) in the case of debts not bearing interest, to make such
payment without interest.
Illustrations
(a) A, a trustee, is simply authorised to sell certain land by public auction.
He cannot sell the land by private contract.
(b) A, a trustee of certain land for X, Y and Z, is authorised to sell the land
to B for a specified sum. X, Y and Z, being competent to contract, consent
that A may sell the land to C for a less sum. A may sell the land
accordingly.
(c) A, a trustee for B and her children, is directed by the author of the trust
to lend, on B's request, trust-property to B's husband, C, on the security of
his bond. C becomes insolvent and B requests A to make the loan. A may
refuse to make it.
Trustee to 12. A trustee is bound to acquaint himself, as soon as possible, with the
inform
himself of nature and circumstances of the trust-property; to obtain, where
state of necessary, a transfer of the trust-property to himself; and (subject to the
trust-
provisions of the instrument of trust) to get in trust-moneys invested on
property
insufficient or hazardous security.
Illustrations
(a) The trust-property is a debt outstanding on personal security. The
instrument of trust gives the trustee no discretionary power to leave the
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debt so outstanding. The trustee's duty is to recover the debt without un-
necessary delay.
(b) The trust-property is money in the hands of one of two co-trustees. No
discretionary power is given by the instrument of trust. The other co-
trustee must not allow the former to retain the money for a longer period
than the circumstances of the case required.
Trustee to 13. A trustee is bound to maintain and defend all such suits, and (subject
protect title
to trust- to the provisions of the instrument of trust) to take such other steps as,
property regard being had to the nature and amount or value of the trust-property,
may be reasonably requisite for the preservation of the trust-property and
the assertion or protection of the title thereto.
Illustration
The trust-property is immoveable property which has been given to the
author of the trust by an unregistered instrument. Subject to the provisions
of the 3[Registration Act, 1908], the trustee's duty is to cause the
instrument to be registered.
Trustee not 14. The trustee must not for himself or another set up or aid any title to the
to set up
title trust-property adverse to the interest of the beneficiary.
adverse to
beneficiary
Care 15. A trustee is bound to deal with the trust-property as carefully as a man
required
from of ordinary prudence would deal with such property if it were his own; and,
trustee in the absence of a contract to the contrary, a trustee so dealing is not
responsible for the loss, destruction or deterioration of the trust-property.
Illustrations
(a) A, living in Chittagong, is a trustee for B, living in 4[Dhaka]. A remits
trust-funds to B by bills drawn by a person of undoubted credit in favour of
the trustee as such, and payable at 5[Dhaka]. The bills are dis-honoured. A
is not bound to make good the loss.
(b) A, a trustee of leasehold property, directs the tenant to pay the rents on
account of the trust to a banker, B, then in credit. The rents are accordingly
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paid to B, and A leaves the money with B only till wanted. Before the
money is drawn out, B becomes insolvent. A, having had no reason to
believe that B was in insolvent circumstances, is not bound to make good
the loss.
(c) A, a trustee of two debts for B, releases one and compounds the other,
in good faith, and reasonably believing that it is for B's interest to do so. A
is not bound to make good any loss caused thereby to B.
(d) A, a trustee directed to sell the trust-property by auction, sells the
same, but does not advertise the sale and otherwise fails in reasonable
diligence in inviting competition. A is bound to make good the loss caused
thereby to the beneficiary.
(e) A, a trustee for B, in execution of his trust, sells the trust-property, but
from want of due diligence on his part fails to receive part of the purchase-
money. A is bound to make good the loss thereby caused to B.
(f) A, a trustee for B of a policy of insurance, has funds in hand for
payment of the premiums. A neglects to pay the premiums, and the policy
is consequently forfeited. A is bound to make good the loss to B.
(g) A bequeaths certain moneys to B and C as trustees, and authorizes
them to continue trust-moneys upon the personal security of a certain firm
in which A had himself invested them. A dies, and a change takes place in
the firm. B and C must not permit the moneys to remain upon the personal
security of the new firm.
(h) A, a trustee for B, allows the trust to be executed solely by this co-
trustee, C. C misapplies the trust-property. A is personally answerable for
the loss resulting to B.
Conversion 16. Where the trust is created for the benefit of several persons in
of
perishable succession, and the trust-property is of a wasting nature or a future or
property reversionary interest, the trustee is bound, unless an intention to the
contrary may be inferred from the instrument of trust, to convert the
property into property of a permanent and immediately profitable
character.
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Illustrations
(a) A bequeaths to B all his property in trust for C during his life, and on his
death for D, and on D's death for E. A's property consists of three
leasehold houses, and there is nothing in A's will to show that he intended
the houses to be enjoyed in specie. B should sell the houses, and invest
the proceeds in accordance with section 20.
(b) A bequeaths to B his three leasehold houses in Chittagong and all the
furniture therein in trust for C during his life, and on his death for D, and on
D's death for E. Here an intention that the houses and furniture should be
enjoyed in specie appears clearly, and B should not sell them.
Trustee to 17. Where there are more beneficiaries than one, the trustee is bound to
be impartial
be impartial, and must not execute the trust for the advantage of one at the
expense of another.
Where the trustee has a discretionary power, nothing in this section shall
be deemed to authorise the Court to control the exercise reasonably and
in good faith of such discretion.
Illustration
A, a trustee for B, C and D, is empowered to choose between several
specified modes of investing the trust-property. A in good faith chooses
one of the these modes. The Court will not interfere, although the result of
the choice may be to vary the relative rights of B, C and D.
Trustee to 18. Where the trust is created for the benefit of several persons in
prevent
waste succession and one of them is in possession of the trust-property, if he
commits, or threatens to commit, any act which is destructive or
permanently injurious thereto, the trustee is bound to take measures to
prevent such act.
Accounts 19. A trustee is bound (a) to keep clear and accurate accounts of the trust-
and
information property, and (b), at all reasonable times, at the request of the beneficiary,
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to furnish him with full and accurate information as to the amount and state
of the trust-property.
Investment 20. Where the trust-property consists of money and cannot be applied
of trust-
money immediately or at an early date to the purposes of the trust, the trustee is
bound (subject to any direction contained in the instrument of trust) to
invest the money on the following securities, and on no others:-
(a) in promissory notes, debentures, stock or other securities 6[of the
Government]:
Provided that securities, both the principal whereof and the interest
whereon shall have been fully and un-conditionally guaranteed by 7[the]
Government, shall be deemed, for the purposes of this clause, to be
securities of 8[the] Government;

9[* * *]
10[(c) in stock or debentures of, or shares in, Companies the interest
whereon shall have been guaranteed by the Government:
(d) in debenture or other securities for money issued under the authority of
any Bangladesh Act, or on behalf of any municipal body or port trust or city
improvement trust: ]
(e) on a first mortgage of immoveable property situate in 11[Bangladesh]:
Provided that the property is not a leasehold for a term of years and that
the value of the property exceeds by one-third, or, if consisting of
buildings, exceeds by one-half, the mortgage-money; or
(f) on any other security expressly authorised by the instrument of trust, or
by any rule which the 12[Supreme Court] may from time to time prescribe in
this behalf:
Provided that, where there is a person competent to contract and entitled
in possession to receive the income of the trust-property for his life, or for
any greater estate, no investment on any security mentioned or referred to
in clauses (d), (e), and (f) shall be made without his consent in writing.
Power to
purchase
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redeemable
13[20A.(1) A trustee may invest in any of the securities mentioned or
stock at a
premium referred to in section 20, notwithstanding that the same may be
redeemable and that the price exceeds the redemption value:
Provided that a trustee may not purchase at a price exceeding its
redemption value any security mentioned or referred to in clauses (c) and
(d) of section 20 which is liable to be redeemed within fifteen years of the
date of purchase at par or at some other fixed rate, or purchase any such
security as is mentioned or referred to in the said clauses which is liable to
be redeemed at par or at some other fixed rate at a price exceeding fifteen
per centum above par or such other fixed rate.
(2) A trustee may retain until redemption any redeemable stock, fund or
security which may have been purchased in accordance with this section.]
Investment 14[20B. (1) Where the trust property comprises money and it cannot be
of trust-
money in applied immediately to the purposes of the trust, the trustee may, subject
company to any prohibition or restriction imposed in the instrument of trust, invest an
securities
amount not exceeding 25% of such money, hereinafter referred to in this
section as the maximum limit of investment, in any security listed with a
stock exchange of Bangladesh.
(2) In determining the exact amount of money that may be invested under
sub-section (1) at any given time, the money already invested, if any,
under this section and also under 20(f) shall be deducted from the
maximum limit of investment at that time.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to be a bar to authorise the
investment of trust-money by the author of the trust beyond the maximum
limit of investment.]
Deposit in 21. Nothing in section 20 shall apply to 15[* * *] in case the trust-money
Government
Savings does not exceed three thousand taka a deposit thereof in a Government
Bank Savings Bank.
Sale by 22. Where a trustee directed to sell within a specified time extends such
trustee
directed to time, the burden of proving, as between himself and the beneficiary, that
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sell within the latter is not prejudiced by the extension lies upon the trustee, unless
specified
time the extension has been authorised by a principal Civil Court of original
jurisdiction.
Illustration
A bequeaths property to B, directing him with all convenient speed and
within five years to sell it, and apply the proceeds for the benefit of C. In
the exercise of reasonable discretion, B postpones the sale for six years.
The sale is not thereby rendered invalid, but C, alleging that he has been
injured by the postponement, institutes a suit against B to obtain
compensation. In such suit the burden of proving that C has not been
injured lies on B.
Liability for 23. Where the trustee commits a breach of trust, he is liable to make good
breach of
trust the loss which the trust-property or the beneficiary has thereby sustained,
unless the beneficiary has by fraud induced the trustee to commit the
breach, or the beneficiary, being competent to contract, has himself,
without coercion or undue influence having been brought to bear on him,
concurred in the breach, or subsequently acquiesced therein, with full
knowledge of the facts of the case and of his right as against the trustee.
A trustee committing a breach of trust is not liable to pay interest except in
the following cases:-
(a) where he has actually received interest:
(b) where the breach consists in unreasonable delay in paying trust-money
to the beneficiary:
(c) where the trustee ought to have received interest, but has not done so:
(d) where he may be fairly presumed to have received interest.
He is liable, in case (a), to account for the interest actually received, and,
in cases (b), (c) and (d), to account for simple interest at the rate of six per
cent. per annum, unless Court otherwise directs.
(e) where the breach consists in failure to invest trust-money and to
accumulate the interest or dividends thereon, he is liable to account for
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compound interest (with half-yearly rests) at the same rate.
(f) where the breach consists in the employment of trust-property or the
proceeds thereof in trade or business, he is liable to account, at the option
of the beneficiary, either for compound interest (with half-yearly rests) at
the same rate, or for the net profits made by such employment.
Illustrations
(a) A trustee improperly leaves trust-property outstanding, and it is
consequently lost: he is liable to make good the property lost, but he is not
liable to pay interest thereon.
(b) A bequeaths a house to B in trust to sell it and pay the proceeds to C.
B neglects to sell the house for a great length of time, whereby the house
is deteriorated and its market price falls. B is answerable to C for the loss.
(c) A trustee is guilty of unreasonable delay in investing trust-money in
accordance with section 20, or in paying it to the beneficiary. The trustee is
liable to pay interest thereon for the period of the delay.
(d) The duty of the trustee is to invest trust-money in any of the securities
mentioned in section 20, clause (a), (b), (c) or (d). Instead of so doing he
retains the money in his hands. He is liable, at the option of the
beneficiary, to be charged either with the amount of the principal money
and interest, or with the amount of such securities as he might have
purchased with the trust-money when the investment should have been
made, and the intermediate dividends and interest thereon.
(e) The instrument of trust directs the trustee to invest trust-money either
in any such securities or on mortgage of immoveable property. The trustee

does neither. He is liable for the principal money and interest.
(f) The instrument of trust directs the trustee to invest trust-money in any of
such securities and to accumulate the dividends thereon. the trustee
disregards the direction. He is liable, at the option of the beneficiary, to be
charged either with the amount of the principal money and compound
interest, or with the amount of such securities as he might have purchased
with the trust-money when the investment should have been made,
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together with the amount of the accumulation which would have arisen
from a proper investment of the intermediate dividends.
(g) Trust-property is invested in one of the securities mentioned in section
20, clause (a), (b), (c) or (d). The trustee sells such security for some
purpose not authorised by the terms of the instrument of trust. He is liable,
at the option of the beneficiary, either to replace the security with the
intermediate dividends and interest thereon, or to account for the proceeds
of the sale with interest thereon.
(h) The trust-property consists of land. The trustee sells the land to a
purchaser for a consideration without notice of the trust. The trustee is
liable, at the option of the beneficiary, to purchase other land of equal
value to be settled upon the like trust, or to be charged with the proceeds
of the sale with interest.
No set-off 24. A trustee who is liable for a loss occasioned by a breach of trust in
allowed to
trustee respect of one portion of the trust-property cannot set-off against his
liability a gain which has accrued to another portion of the trust-property
through another and distinct breach of trust.
Non-liability 25. Where a trustee succeeds another, he is not, as such, liable for the
for
predecessor’s acts or defaults of his predecessor.
default
Non-liability 26. Subject to the provisions of sections 13 and 15, one trustee is not, as
for co-
trustee’s such, liable for a breach of trust committed by his co-trustee:
default
Provided that, in the absence of an express declaration to the contrary in
the instrument of trust, a trustee is so liable,-
(a) where he has delivered trust-property to his co-trustee without seeing
to its proper application:
(b) where he allows his co-trustee to receive trust-property and fails to
make due enquiry as to the co-trustee's dealing therewith or allows him to
retain it longer than the circumstances of the case reasonably require:
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(c) where he becomes aware of a breach of trust committed or intended by
his co-trustee, and either actively conceals it or does not within a
reasonable time take proper steps to protect the beneficiary's interest.
Joining in A co-trustee who joins in signing a receipt for trust-property and proves
receipt for
conformity that he has not received the same is not answerable, by reason of such
signature only, for loss or misapplication of the property by his co-trustee.
Illustration
A bequeaths certain property to B and C, and directs them to sell it and
invest the proceeds for the benefit of D. B and C accordingly sell the
property, and the purchase-money is received by B and retained in his
hands. C pays no attention to the matter for two years, and then calls on B
to make the investment. B is unable to do so, becomes insolvent, and the
purchase-money is lost. C may be compelled to make good the amount.
Several 27. Where co-trustees jointly commit a breach of trust, or where one of
liability of
co-trustees them by his neglect enables the other to commit a breach of trust, each is
liable to the beneficiary for the whole of the loss occasioned by such
breach.
Contribution But as between the trustees themselves, if one be less guilty than another
as between
co-trustees and has had to refund the loss, the former may compel the latter, or his
legal representative to the extent of the assets he has received, to make
good such loss; and, if all be equally guilty, any one or more of the trustees
who has had to refund the loss may compel the others to contribute.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorise a trustee who has
been guilty of fraud to institute a suit to compel contribution.
Non-liability 28. When any beneficiary's interest becomes vested in another person,
of trustee
paying and the trustee, not having notice of the vesting, pays or delivers trust-
without property to the person who would have been entitled thereto in the
notice of
absence of such vesting, the trustee is not liable for the property so paid or
transfer by
beneficiary delivered.
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Liability of 29. When the beneficiary's interest is forfeited or awarded by legal

trustee
where adjudication to the Government, the trustee is bound to hold the trust-
beneficiary’s property to the extent of such interest for the benefit of such person in
interest is
such manner as the Government may direct in this behalf.
forfeited to
the
Government
Indemnity 30. Subject to the provisions of the instrument of trust and of sections 23
of trustees
and 26, trustees shall be respectively chargeable only for such moneys,
stocks, funds and securities as they respectively actually receive and shall
not be answerable the one for the other of them, nor for any banker, broker
or other person in whose hands any trust-property may be placed, nor for
the insufficiency or deficiency of any stocks, funds or securities, nor
otherwise for involuntary losses.
CHAPTER IV
OF THE RIGHTS AND POWERS OF TRUSTEES
Right to 31. A trustee is entitled to have in his possession the instrument of trust
title-deed
and all the documents of title (if any) relating solely to the trust-property.
Right to 32. Every trustee may reimburse himself, or pay or discharge out of the
reimbursement
of expenses trust-property, all expenses properly incurred in or about the execution of
the trust, or the realisation, preservation or benefit of the trust-property, or
the protection or support of the beneficiary.
If he pays such expenses out of his own pocket, he has a first charge upon
the trust-property for such expenses and interest thereon; but such charge
(unless the expenses have been incurred with the sanction of a principal
Civil Court of original jurisdiction) shall be enforced only by prohibiting any
disposition of the trust-property without previous payment of such
expenses and interest.
If the trust-property fail, the trustee is entitled to recover from the
beneficiary personally on whose behalf he acted, and at whose request,
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expressed or implied, he made the payment, the amount of such
expenses.
Right to be Where a trustee has by mistake made an over-payment to the beneficiary,

recouped
for he may reimburse the trust-property out of the beneficiary's interest. If
erroneous such interest fail, the trustee is entitled to recover from the beneficiary
overpayment
personally the amount of such over-payment.
Right to 33. A person other than a trustee who has gained an advantage from a
indemnity
from gainer breach of trust must indemnify the trustee to the extent of the amount
by breach actually received by such person under the breach; and where he is a
of trust
beneficiary the trustee has a charge on his interest for such amount.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to entitle a trustee to be
indemnified who has, in committing the breach of trust, been guilty of
fraud.
Right to 34. Any trustee may, without instituting a suit, apply by petition to a
apply to
Court for principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction for its opinion, advice or
opinion in direction on any present questions respecting the management or
management
administration of the trust-property other than questions of detail, difficulty
of trust-
property or importance, not proper in the opinion of the Court for summary disposal.
A copy of such petition shall be served upon, and the hearing thereof may
be attended by, such of the persons interested in the application as the
Court thinks fit.
The trustee stating in good faith the facts in such petition and acting upon
the opinion, advice or direction given by the Court shall be deemed, so far
as regards his own responsibility, to have discharged his duty as such
trustee in the subject-matter of the application.
The costs of every application under this section shall be in the discretion
of the Court to which it is made.
Right to 35. When the duties of a trustee, as such, are completed, he is entitled to
settlement
of accounts have the accounts of his administration of the trust-property examined and
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settled; and, where nothing is due to the beneficiary under the trust, to an
acknowledgement in writing to that effect.
General 36. In addition to the powers expressly conferred by this Act and by the
authority of
trustee instrument of trust, and subject to the restrictions, if any, contained in such
instrument, and to the provisions of section 17, a trustee may do all acts
which are reasonable and proper for the realisation, protection or benefit of
the trust-property, and for the protection or support of a beneficiary who is
not competent to contract.
Except with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction,
no trustee shall lease trust-property for a term exceeding twenty-one years
from the date of executing the lease, nor without reserving the best yearly
rent that can be reasonably obtained.
Power to 37. Where the trustee is empowered to sell any trust-property, he may sell
sell in lots,
and either the same subject to prior charges or not, and either together or in lots, by
by public public auction or private contract, and either at one time or at several
auction or
times, unless the instrument of trust otherwise directs.
private
contract
Power to 38. The trustee making any such sale may insert such reasonable
sell under
special stipulations either as to title or evidence of title, or otherwise, in any
conditions conditions of sale or contract for sale, as he thinks fit; and may also buy in
Power to
the property or any part thereof at any sale by auction, and rescind or vary
buy in and
re-sell any contract for sale, and re-sell the property so bought in, or as to which
the contract is so rescinded, without being responsible to the beneficiary
for any loss occasioned thereby.
Time Where a trustee is directed to sell trust-property or to invest trust-money in

allowed for
selling the purchase of property, he may exercise a reasonable discretion as to
trust- the time of effecting the sale or purchase.
property
Illustrations
(a) A bequeaths property to B, directing him to sell it with all convenient
speed and pay the proceeds to C. This does not render an immediate sale
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
imperative.
(b) A bequeaths property to B, directing him to sell it at such time and in
such manner as he shall think fit and invest the proceeds for the benefit of
C. This does not authorise B, as between him and C, to postpone the sale
to an indefinite period.
Power to 39. For the purpose of completing any such sale, the trustee shall have
convey
power to convey or otherwise dispose of the property sold in such manner
as may be necessary.
Power to 40. A trustee may, at his discretion, call in any trust-property invested in
vary
investments any security and invest the same on any of the securities mentioned or
referred to in section 20, and from time to time vary any such investments
for others of the same nature:
Provided that, where there is a person competent to contract and entitled

at the time to receive the income of the trust-property for his life, or for any
greater estate, no such change of investment shall be made without his
consent in writing.
Power to 41. Where any property is held by a trustee in trust for a minor, such
apply
property of trustee may, at his discretion, pay to the guardians (if any) of such minor,
minors, or otherwise apply for or towards his maintenance or education or
etc., for
advancement in life, or the reasonable expenses of his religious worship,
their
maintenance, marriage or funeral, the whole or any part of the income to which he may
etc.
be entitled in respect of such property; and such trustee shall accumulate
all the residue of such income by way of compound interest by investing
the same and the resulting income thereof from time to time in any of the
securities mentioned or referred to in section 20, for the benefit of the
person who shall ultimately become entitled to the property from which
such accumulations have arisen:
Provided that such trustee may, at any time, if he thinks fit, apply the whole
or any part of such accumulations as if the same were part of the income
arising in the then current year.
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Where the income of the trust-property is insufficient for the minor's
maintenance or education or advancement in life, or the reasonable
expenses of his religious worship, marriage or funeral, the trustee may,
with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, but not
otherwise, apply the whole or any part of such property for or towards such
maintenance, education, advancement or expenses.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the provisions of any local
law for the time being in force relating to the persons and property of
minors.
Power to 42. Any trustees or trustee may give a receipt in writing for any money,
give
receipts securities or other moveable property payable, transferable or deliverable
to them or him by reason, or in the exercise, of any trust or power; and, in
the absence of fraud, such receipt shall discharge the person paying,
transferring or delivering the same therefrom, and from seeing to the
application thereof, or being accountable for any loss or misapplication
thereof.
Power to 43. Two or more trustee acting together may, if and as they think fit,-
compound,
etc. (a) accept any composition or any security for any debt or for any property
claimed;
(b) allow any time for payment of any debt;
(c) compromise, compound, abandon, submit to arbitration or otherwise
settle any debt, account, claim or thing whatever relating to the trust; and,
(d) for any of those purposes, enter into, give, execute and do such
agreements, instruments of composition or arrangement, releases and
other things as to them seem expedient, without being responsible for any
loss occasioned by any act or thing so done by them in good faith.
The powers conferred by this section on two or more trustees acting
together may be exercised by a sole acting trustee when by the instrument
of trust, if any, a sole trustee is authorised to execute the trusts and
powers thereof.
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This section applies only if and as far as a contrary intention is not
expressed in the instrument of trust, if any, and shall have effect subject to
the terms of that instrument and to the provisions therein contained.
This section applies only to trusts created after this Act comes into force.
Power to 44. When an authority to deal with the trust-property is given to several
several
trustees of trustees and one of them disclaims or dies, the authority may be exercised
whom one by the continuing trustees, unless from the terms of the instrument of trust
disclaims
it is apparent that the authority is to be exercised by a number in excess of
or dies
the number of the remaining trustees.
Suspension 45. Where a decree has been made in a suit for the execution of a trust,
of trustee’s
powers by the trustee must not exercise any of his powers except in conformity with
decree such decree, or with the sanction of the Court by which the decree has
been made, or, where an appeal against the decree is pending, of the
Appellate Court.
CHAPTER V
OF THE DISABILITIES OF TRUSTEES
Trustee 46. A trustee who has accepted the trust cannot afterwards renounce it
cannot
renounce except (a) with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original
after jurisdiction, or (b) if the beneficiary is competent to contract, with his
acceptance
consent, or (c) by virtue of a special power in the instrument of trust.
Trustee 47. A trustee cannot delegate his office or any of his duties either to a co-
cannot
delegate trustee or to a stranger, unless (a) the instrument of trust so provides, or
(b) the delegation is in the regular course of business, or (c) the delegation
is necessary, or (d) the beneficiary, being competent to contract, consents
to the delegation.
Explanation - The appointment of an attorney or proxy to do an act merely

ministerial and involving no independent discretion is not a delegation
within the meaning of this section.
Illustrations
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(a) A bequeaths certain property to B and C on certain trusts to be
executed by them or the survivor of them or the assigns of such survivor. B

dies. C may bequeath the trust-property to D and E upon the trusts of A's
will.
(b) A is a trustee of certain property with power to sell the same. A may
employ an auctioneer to effect the sale.
(c) A bequeaths to B fifty houses let at monthly rents in trust to collect the
rents and pay them to C. B may employ a proper person to collect these
rents.
Co-trustees 48. When there are more trustees than one, all must join in the execution
cannot act
singly of the trust, except where the instrument of trust otherwise provides.
Control of 49. Where a discretionary power conferred on a trustee is not exercised

discretionary
power reasonably and in good faith, such power may be controlled by a principal
Civil Court of original jurisdiction.
Trustee 50. In the absence of express directions to the contrary contained in the
may not
charge for instrument of trust or of a contract to the contrary entered into with the
services beneficiary or the Court at the time of accepting the trust, a trustee has no
right to remuneration for his trouble, skill and loss of time in executing the
trust.
Nothing in this section applies to any Official Trustee, Administrator-
General, Public Curator or person holding a certificate of administration.
Trustee 51. No trustee may not use or deal with the trust-property for his own profit
may not
use trust- or for any other purpose unconnected with the trust.
property for
his own
profit
Trustee for 52. No trustee whose duty it is to sell trust-property, and no agent
sale or his
agent may employed by such trustee for the purpose of the sale, may, directly or
not buy
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
indirectly, buy the same or any interest therein, on his own account or as
agent for a third person.
Trustee 53. No trustee, and no person who has recently ceased to be a trustee,
may not
buy may, without the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction,
beneficiary’s buy or become mortgagee or lessee of the trust-property or any part
interest
thereof; and such permission shall not be given unless the proposed
without
permission purchase, mortgage or lease is manifestly for the advantage of the
beneficiary.
Trustee for And no trustee whose duty it is to buy or to obtain a mortgage or lease or
purchase
particular property for the beneficiary may buy it, or any part thereof, or
obtain a mortgage or lease of it, or any part thereof, for himself.
Co-trustees 54. A trustee or co-trustee whose duty it is to invest trust-money on

may not
lend to one mortgage or personal security must not invest it on mortgage by, or on the
of personal security of, himself or one of his co-trustees.
themselves
CHAPTER VI
OF THE RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF THE BENEFICIARY
Rights to 55. The beneficiary has, subject to the provisions of the instrument of trust,
rents and
profits a right to the rents and profits of the trust-property.
Right to
56. The beneficiary is entitled to have the intention of the author of the
specific
execution trust specifically executed to the extent of the beneficiary's interest;
Right to and, where there is only one beneficiary and he is competent to contract,
transfer of
possession or where there are several beneficiaries and they are competent to
contract and all of one mind, he or they may require the trustee to transfer
the trust-property to him or them, or to such person as he or they may

direct.
When property has been transferred or bequeathed for the benefit of a
married woman, so that she shall not have power to deprive herself of her
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beneficial interest, nothing in the second clause of this section applies to

such property during her marriage.
Illustrations
(a) Certain Government securities are given to trustees upon trust to

accumulate the interest until A attains the age of 24, and then to transfer
the gross amount to him. A on attaining majority may, as the person

exclusively interested in the trust-property, require the trustees to transfer
it immediately to him.
(b) A bequeaths Tk. 10,000 to trustees upon trust to purchase an annuity

for B, who has attained his majority and is otherwise competent to
contract. B may claim the Tk. 10,000.
(c) A transfers certain property to B and directs him to sell or invest it for
the benefit of C, who is competent to contract. C may elect to take the
property in its original character.
Right to 57. The beneficiary has a right, as against the trustee and all persons
inspect and
take copies claiming under him with notice of the trust, to inspect and take copies of
of the instrument of trust, the documents of title relating solely to the trust-
instrument
property, the accounts of the trust-property and the vouchers (if any) by
of trust
accounts, which they are supported, and the cases submitted and opinions taken by
etc.
the trustee for his guidance in the discharge of his duty.
Right to 58. The beneficiary, if competent to contract, may transfer his interest, but
transfer
beneficial subject to the law for the time being in force as to the circumstances and
interest extent in and to which he may dispose of such interest:
Provided that when property is transferred or bequeathed for the benefit of

a married woman, so that she shall not have power to deprive herself of
her beneficial interest, nothing in this section shall authorise her to transfer
such interest during her marriage.
Right to sue 59. Where no trustees are appointed or all the trustees die, disclaim, or
for
execution are discharged, or where for any other reason the execution of a trust by
of trust the trustee is or becomes impracticable, the beneficiary may institute a suit
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for the execution of the trust, and the trust shall, so far as may be possible,
be executed by the Court until the appointment of a trustee or new trustee.
Right to 60. The beneficiary has a right (subject to the provisions of the instrument
proper
trustees of trust) that the trust-property shall be properly protected and held and
administered by proper persons and by a proper number of such persons.
Explanation I - The following are not proper persons within the meaning of
this section:-
A person domiciled abroad: an alien enemy: a person having an interest
inconsistent with that of the beneficiary: a person in insolvent

circumstances; and, unless the personal law of the beneficiary allows
otherwise, a married woman and a minor.
Explanation II - When the administration of the trust involves the receipt

and custody of money, the number of trustees should be two at least.
Illustrations
(a) A, one of several beneficiaries, proves that B, the trustee, has

improperly disposed of part of the trust-property, or that the property is in
danger from B's being in insolvent circumstances, or that he is

incapacitated from acting as trustee. A may obtain a receiver of the trust-
property.
(b) A bequeaths certain jewels to B in trust for C. B dies during A's life
time; then A dies. C is entitled to have the property conveyed to a trustee
for him.
(c) A conveys certain property to four trustees in trust for B. Three of the
trustee die. B may institute a suit to have three new trustees appointed in
the place of the deceased trustees.
(d) A conveys certain property to three trustees in trust for B. All the
trustees disclaim. B may institute a suit to have three trustees appointed in

place of the trustees so disclaiming.
(e) A, a trustee for B, refuses to act, or goes to reside permanently out of
Bangladesh or is declared an insolvent, or compounds with his creditors,
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or suffers a co-trustee to commit a breach of trust. B may institute a suit to
have A removed and a new trustee appointed in his room.
Right to 61. The beneficiary has a right that his trustee shall be compelled to
compel to
any act of perform any particular act of his duty as such, and restrained from
duty committing any contemplated or probable breach of trust.
Illustrations
(a) A contracts with B to pay him monthly Tk. 100 for the benefit of C. B
writes and signs a letter declaring that he will hold in trust for C the money
so to be paid. A fails to pay the money in accordance with his contract. C
may compel B on a proper indemnity to allow C to sue on the contract in

B's name.
(b) A is trustee of certain land, with a power to sell the same and pay the
proceeds to B and C equally. A is about to make an improvident sale of the
land. B may sue on behalf of himself and C for an injunction to restrain A
from making the sale.
Wrongful 62. Where a trustee has wrongfully bought trust-property, the beneficiary
purchase
by trustee has a right to have the property declared subject to the trust or
retransferred by the trustee, if it remains in his hands unsold, or, if it has

been bought from him by any person with notice or the trust, by such
person. But in such case the beneficiary must repay the purchase-money
paid by the trustee, with interest, and such other expenses (if any) as he
has properly incurred in the preservation of the property; and the trustee or
purchaser must (a) account for the net profits of the property, (b) be
charged with an occupation-rent, if he has been in actual possession of
the property, and (c) allow the
beneficiary to deduct a proportionate part of the purchase-money if the
property has been deteriorated by the acts or omissions of the trustee or

purchaser.
Nothing in this section-
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
(a) impairs the rights of lessees and others who, before the institution of a
suit to have the property declared subject to the trust or retransferred,
have contracted in good faith with the trustee or purchaser; or
(b) entitles the beneficiary to have the property declared subject to the
trust or retransferred where he, being competent to contract, has himself,
without coercion or undue influence having been brought to bear on him,

ratified the sale to the trustee with full knowledge of the facts of the case
and of his rights as against the trustee.
Following 63. Where trust-property comes into the hands of a third person
trust-
property- inconsistently with the trust, the beneficiary may require him to admit
into the formally, or may institute a suit for a declaration, that the property is
hands of
comprised in the trust.
third
persons;
Where the trustee has disposed of trust-property and the money or other
into that
into which property which he has received therefor can be traced in his hands, or the
it has been hands of his legal representative or legatee, the beneficiary has, in respect
converted
thereof, rights as merely as may be the same as his rights in respect of the
original trust-property.
Illustrations
(a) A, a trustee for B of Tk. 10,000, wrongfully invests Tk. 10,000 in the
purchase of certain land.. B is entitled to the land.
(b) A, a trustee, wrongfully purchases land in his own name, partly with his
own money, partly with money subject to a trust for B. B is entitled to a
charge on the land for the amount of the trust-money so misemployed.
Saving of 64. Nothing in section 63 entitles the beneficiary to any right in respect of
rights of
certain property in the hands of-
transferees
(a) a transferee in good faith for consideration without having notice of the
trust, either when the purchase-money was paid, or when the conveyance
was executed, or
(b) a transferee for consideration from such a transferee.
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A judgment-creditor of the trustee attaching and purchasing trust-property
is not a transferee for consideration within the meaning of this section.
Nothing in section 63 applies to money, currency notes and negotiable

instruments in the hands of a bona fide holder to whom they have passed
in circulation, or shall be deemed to effect the Contract Act, 1872, section

108, or the liability of a person to whom a debt or charge is transferred.
Acquisition 65. Where a trustee wrongfully sells or otherwise transfers trust-property

by trustee
of trust- and after wards himself becomes the owner of the property, the property
property again becomes subject to the trust, notwithstanding any want of notice on
wrongfully
the part of intervening transferees in good faith for consideration.
converted
Right in 66. Where the trustee wrongfully mingles the trust-property with his own,
case of
blended the beneficiary is entitled to a charge on the whole fund for the amount
property due to him.
Wrongful 67. If a partner, being a trustee, wrongfully employs trust-property in the

employment
by partner- business, or on the account of the partnership, no other partner is liable
trustee of therefor in his personal capacity to the beneficiaries, unless he had notice
trust-
of the breach of trust.
property for
partnership
The partners having such notice are jointly and severally liable for the
purposes
breach of trust.
Illustrations
(a) A and B are partners. A dies, having bequeathed all his property B in
trust for Z, and appointed B his sole executor. B instead of winding up the
affairs of the partnership, retains all the assets in the business. Z may
compel him, as partner, to account for so much of the profits as are
derived from A's share of the capital. B is also answerable to Z for the
improper employment of A's assets.
(b) A, a trader, bequeaths his property to B in trust for C, appoints B his
sole executor, and dies. B enters into partnership with X and Y in the same
trade, and employs A's assets in the partnership-business. B gives an
indemnity to X and Y against the claims of C. Here X and Y are jointly

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liable with B to C as having knowingly become parties to the breach of

trust committed by B.
Liability of 68. Where one of several beneficiaries-

beneficiary
joining in (a) joins in committing breach of trust, or
breach of
trust (b) knowingly obtains any advantage therefrom, without the consent of the
other beneficiaries, or
(c) becomes aware of a breach of trust committed or intended to be

committed, and either actually conceals it, or does not within a reasonable
time take proper steps to protect the interests of the other beneficiaries, or
(d) has deceived the trustee and thereby induced him to commit a breach
of trust,
the other beneficiaries are entitled to have all his beneficial interest
impounded as against him and all who claim under him (otherwise than as
transferees for consideration without notice of the breach) until the loss
caused by the breach has been compensated.
When property has been transferred or bequeathed for the benefit of a
married woman, so that she shall not have power to deprive herself of her
beneficial interest, nothing in this section applies to such property during
her marriage.
Rights and 69. Every person to whom a beneficiary transfers his interest has the
liabilities of
beneficiary’s rights, and is subject to the liabilities, of the beneficiary in respect of such
transferee interest at the date of the transfer.
CHAPTER VII
OF VACATING THE OFFICE OF TRUSTEE
Office how 70. The office of a trustee is vacated by his death or by his discharge from
vacated
his office.
Discharge 71. The trustee may be discharged from his office only as follows:-
of trustees
(a) by the extinction of the trust;
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(b) by the completion of his duties under the trust;
(c) by such means as may be prescribed by the instrument of trust;
(d) by appointment under this Act of a new trustee in his place;
(e) by consent of himself and the beneficiary, or, where there are more
beneficiaries than one, all the beneficiaries than one, all the beneficiaries
being competent to contract, or
(f) by the Court to which a petition for his discharge is presented under this
Act.
Petition to 72. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11, every trustee may apply
be
discharged by petition to a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction to be discharged
from trust from his office; and, if the Court finds that there is sufficient reason for
such discharge, it may discharge him accordingly, and direct his costs to
be paid out of the trust-property. But, where there is no such reason, the
Court shall not discharge him, unless a proper person can be found to take
his place.
Appointment 73. Whenever any person appointed a trustee disclaims, or any trustee,
of new
trustees on either original or substituted dies, or is for a continues period of six months
death, etc. absent from Bangladesh, or leaves Bangladesh for the purpose of residing
abroad, or is declared an insolvent, or desires to be discharged from the

trust, or refuses or becomes, in the opinion of a principal Civil Court of
original jurisdiction, unfit or personally incapable to act in the trust, or

accepts an inconsistent trust, a new trustee may be appointed in his place
by-
(a) the person nominated for that purpose by the instrument of trust (if
any), or.
(b) if there be no such person, or no such person able and willing to act,
the author of the trust if he be alive and competent to contract, or the
surviving or continuing trustees or trustee for time being, or legal
representative of the last surviving and continuing trustee, or (with the
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consent of the Court) the retiring trustees, if they all retire simultaneously,
or (with the like consent) the last retiring trustee.
Every such appointment shall be by writing under the hand of the person
making it.
On an appointment of a new trustee the number of trustees may be
increased.
The Official Trustee may, with his consent and by the order of the Court,
be appointed under this section, in any case in which only one trustee is to
be appointed and such trustee is to be the sole trustee.
The provisions of this section relative to a trustee who is dead include the
case of a person nominated trustee in a will but dying before the testator,
and those relative to a continuing trustee include a refusing or retiring
trustee if willing to act in the execution of the power.
Appointment 74. Whenever any such vacancy or disqualification occurs and it is found
by Court
impracticable to appoint a new trustee under section 73, the beneficiary
may, without instituting a suit, apply by petition to a principal Civil Court of
original jurisdiction for the appointment of a trustee or a new trustee, and

the Court may appoint a trustee or a new trustee accordingly.
Rules for In appointing new trustees, the Court shall have regard (a) to the wishes of
selecting
new the author of the trust as expressed in or to be inferred from the instrument
trustees of trust; (b) to the wishes of the person, if any, empowered to appoint new
trustees; (c) to the question whether the appointment will promote or
impede the execution of the trust; and (d) where there are more
beneficiaries than one, to the interests of all such beneficiaries.
Vesting of
75. Whenever any new trustee is appointed under section 73 or section
trust-
property in 74, all the trust-property for the time being vested in the surviving or
new continuing trustees or trustee, or in the legal representative of any trustee,
trustees
shall become vested in such new trustee, either solely or jointly with the
surviving or continuing trustees or trustee, as the case may require.
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Powers of Every new trustee so appointed, and every trustee appointed by a Court,
new
trustees either before or after the passing of this Act, shall have the same powers,
authorities and discretions, and shall in all respects act, as if he had been
originally nominated a trustee by the author of the trust.
Survival of 76. On the death or discharge of one of several co-trustees, the trust
trust
survives and the trust-property passes to the others, unless the instrument
of trust expressly declares otherwise.
CHAPTER VIII
OF THE EXTINCTION OF TRUSTS
77. A trust is extinguished,-
(a) when its purpose is completely fulfilled; or
(b) when its purpose becomes unlawful; or
(c) when the fulfilment of its purpose becomes impossible by destruction of

the trust-property or otherwise; or
(d) when the trust, being revocable, is expressly, revoked.
78. A trust created by will may be revoked at the pleasure of the testator.
A trust otherwise created can be revoked only-
(a) where all the beneficiaries are competent to contract - by their consent;
(b) where the trust has been declared by a non-testamentary instrument or

by word of mouth - in exercise of a power of revocation expressly reserved
to the author of the trust; or
(c) where the trust is for the payment of the debts of the author of the trust,
and hgas not been communicated to the creditors - at the pleasure of the
author of the trust.
Illustration
A conveys property to B in trust to sell the same and pay out of the
proceeds the claims of A's creditors. A reserves no power of revocation. If

no communication has been made to the creditors, A may revoke the trust.
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But if the creditors are parties to the arrangement, the trust cannot be
revoked without their consent.
79. No trust can be revoked by the author of the trust so as to defeat or

prejudice what the trustees may have duly done in execution of the trust.
CHAPTER VIII
OF THE EXTINCTION OF TRUSTS
Trust how 77. A trust is extinguished,-

extinguished
(a) when its purpose is completely fulfilled; or
(b) when its purpose becomes unlawful; or
(c) when the fulfilment of its purpose becomes impossible by destruction of

the trust-property or otherwise; or
(d) when the trust, being revocable, is expressly, revoked.
Revocation 78. A trust created by will may be revoked at the pleasure of the testator.
of trust
A trust otherwise created can be revoked only-
(a) where all the beneficiaries are competent to contract - by their consent;
(b) where the trust has been declared by a non-testamentary instrument or
by word of mouth - in exercise of a power of revocation expressly reserved

to the author of the trust; or
(c) where the trust is for the payment of the debts of the author of the trust,
and hgas not been communicated to the creditors - at the pleasure of the
author of the trust.
Illustration
A conveys property to B in trust to sell the same and pay out of the
proceeds the claims of A's creditors. A reserves no power of revocation. If
no communication has been made to the creditors, A may revoke the trust.
But if the creditors are parties to the arrangement, the trust cannot be
revoked without their consent.
Revocation
not to
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
defeat what
trustees 79. No trust can be revoked by the author of the trust so as to defeat or
have duly prejudice what the trustees may have duly done in execution of the trust.
done
CHAPTER IX
OF CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS IN THE NATURE OF TRUSTS
Where 80. An obligation in the nature of a trust is created in the following cases.
obligation
in nature of
trust is
created
Where it 81. Where the owner of property transfers or bequeaths it and it cannot be
does not
appear that inferred consistently with the attendant circumstances that he intended to
transferor dispose of the beneficial interest therein, the transferee or legatee must
intended to
hold such property for the benefit of the owner or his legal representative.
dispose of
beneficial
Illustration
interest
(a) A conveys land to B without consideration and declares no trust of any
part. It cannot, consistently with the circumstances under which the
transfer is made, be inferred that A intended to transfer the beneficial
interest in the land. B holds the land for the benefit of A.
(b) A conveys to B two fields, Y and Z, and declares a trust of Y, but says
nothing about Z. It cannot, consistently with the circumstances under

which the transfer is made, be inferred that A intended to transfer the
beneficial interest in Z. B holds Z for the benefit of A.
(c) A transfers certain stock belonging to him into the joint names of
himself and B. It cannot, consistently with the circumstances under which
the transfer is made, be inferred that A intended to transfer the beneficial

interest in the stock during his life. A and B hold the stock for the benefit of
A during his life.
(d) A makes a gift of certain land to his wife B. She takes the beneficial
interest in the land free from any trust in favour of A, for it may be inferred
from the circumstances that the gift was for B's benefit.
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
Transfer to 82. Where property is transferred to one person for a consideration paid or
one for
consideration provided by another person, and it appears that such other person did not
paid by intend to pay or provide such consideration for the benefit of the
another
transferee, the transferee must hold the property for the benefit of the
person paying or provided the consideration.
16[* * *]
Trust 83. Where a trust is incapable of being executed, or where the trust is
incapable
of completely executed without exhausting the trust-property, the trustee, in
execution the absence of a direction to the contrary, must hold the trust-property, or
or executed
so much thereof as is unexhausted, for the benefit of the author of the trust
without
exhausting or his legal representative.
trust-
property Illustrations
(a) A conveys certain land to B-
“upon trust”, and no trust is declared; or
“upon trust to be thereafter declared,” and no such declaration is ever

made; or
upon trusts that are too vague to be executed; or
upon trusts that become incapable of taking effect; or
“in trusts for C,” and C renounces his interest under the trust.
In each of these cases B holds the land for the benefit of A.
(b) A transfers Tk. 10,000 in the four per cents. to B, in trust to pay the
interest annually accruing due to C for her life. A dies. Then C dies, B
holds the fund for the benefit of A's legal representative.
(c) A conveys land to B upon trust to sell it and apply one moiety of the
proceeds for certain charitable purposes, and the other for the
maintenance of the worship of an idol. B sells the land, but the charitable
purposes wholly fail, and the maintenance of the worship does not exhaust
the second moiety of the proceeds. B holds the first moiety and the part
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
unapplied of the second moiety for the benefit of A or his legal
representative.
(d) A bequeaths Tk. 10,000 to B, to be laid out in buying land to be

conveyed for purposes which either wholly or partially fail to take effect. B
holds for the benefit of A's legal representative the undisposed of interest
in the money or land if purchased.
Transfer for 84. Where the owner of property transfers it to another for an illegal
illegal
purpose purpose and such purpose is not carried into execution, or the transferor is
not as guilty as the transferee, or the effect of permitting the transferee to

retain the property might be to defeat the provisions of any law, the
transferee must hold the property for the benefit of the transferor.
Bequest for 85. Where a testator bequeaths certain property upon trust and the
illegal
purpose purpose of the trust appears on the face of the will to be unlawful, or
during the testator's lifetime the legatee agrees with him to apply the
property for an unlawful purpose, the legatee must hold the property for
the benefit of the testator's legal representative.
Bequest of Where property is bequeathed and the revocation of the bequest is

which
revocation prevented by coercion, the legatee must hold the property for the benefit of
is the testator's legal representative.
prevented
by coercion
Transfer 86. Where property is transferred in pursuance of a contract which is liable

pursuant to
rescindable to rescission or induced by fraud or mistake, the transferee must, on
contract receiving notice to that effect, hold the property for the benefit of the
transferor, subject to repayment by the latter of the consideration actually
paid.
Debtor 87. Where a debtor becomes the executor or other legal representative of
becoming
creditor’s his creditor, he must hold the debt for the benefit of the persons interested
representative therein.
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
Advantage 88. Where a trustee, executor, partner, agent, director of a company, legal
gained by
fiduciary adviser, or other person bound in a fiduciary character to protect the
interests of another person, by availing himself of his character, gains for

himself any pecuniary advantage, or where any person so bound enters
into any dealings under circumstances in which his own interests are, or
may be, adverse to those of such other person and thereby gains for
himself a pecuniary advantage, he must hold for the benefit of such other
person the advantage so gained.
Illustrations
(a) A, an executor, buys at an undervalue from B, a legatee, his claim
under the will. B is ignorant of the value of the bequest. A must hold for the
benefit of B the difference between the price and value.
(b) A, a trustee, uses the trust-property for the purpose of his own
business. A holds for the benefit of his beneficiary the profits arising from
such user.
(c) A, a trustee, retires from his trust in consideration of his successor

paying him a sum of money. A holds such money for the benefit of his
beneficiary.
(d) A, a partner, buys land in his own name with funds belonging to the
partnership. A holds such land for the benefit of the partnership.
(e) A, a partner, employed on behalf of himself and his co-partners in
negotiating the terms of a lease clandestinely stipulates with the lessor for
payment to himself a lakh of Taka. A holds the lakh for the benefit of the
partnership.
(f) A and B are partners. A dies. B, instead of winding up the affairs of the
partnership, retains all the assets in the business. B must account to A's
legal representative for the profits from A's share of the capital.
(g) A, an agent employed to obtain a lease for B, obtains the lease for
himself. A holds the lease for the benefit of B.
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
(h) A, a guardian, buys up for himself incumbrances on his ward B's estate
at an undervalue. A holds for the benefit of B the incumbrances so bought,

and can only charge him with what he has actually paid.
Advantage 89. Where, by the exercise of undue influence, any advantage is gained in
gained by
exercise of derogation of the interests of another, the person gaining such advantage
undue without consideration, or with notice that such influence has been
influence
exercised, must hold the advantage for the benefit of the person whose
interests have been so prejudiced.
Advantage 90. Where a tenant for life, co-owner, mortgagee or other qualified owner
gained by
qualified of any property, by availing himself of his position as such, gains an
owner advantage in derogation of the rights of the other persons interested in the
property, or where any such owner, as representing all persons interested

in such property, gains any advantage, he must hold, for the benefit of all
persons so interested, the advantage so gained, but subject to repayment

by such persons of their due share of the expenses properly incurred, and
to an indemnity by the same persons against liabilities properly contracted,

in gaining such advantage.
Illustrations
(a) A, the tenant for life of leasehold property, renews the lease in this own
name and for his own benefit. A holds the renewed lease for the benefit of
all those interested in the old lease.
(b) A village belongs to a Hindu family. A, one of its members, pays

nazrana to Government and thereby procures his name to be entered as
the inamdar of the village. A holds the village for the benefit of himself and
the other members.
(c) A mortgages land to B, who enters into possession. B allows the
Government revenue to fall into arrear with a view to the land being put up
for sale and his becoming himself the purchaser of it. The land is
accordingly sold to B. Subject to the repayment of the amount due on the
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
mortgage and of his expenses properly incurred as mortgagee, B holds

the land for the benefit of A.
Property 91. Where a person acquires property with notice that another person has
acquired
with notice entered into an existing contract affecting that property, of which specific
of existing performance could be enforced, the former must hold the property for the
contract
benefit of the latter to the extent necessary to give effect to the contract.
Purchase 92. Where a person contracts to buy property to be held on trust for certain
by person
contracting beneficiaries and buys the property accordingly, he must hold the property
to buy for their benefit to the extent necessary to give effect to the contract.
property to
be held on
trust
Advantage 93. Where creditors compound the debts due to them, and one of such
secretly
gained by creditors, by a secret arrangement with the debtor, gains an undue
one of advantage over his co-creditors, he must hold for the benefit of such
several
creditors the advantage so gained.
compounding
creditors
Constructive 94. In any case not coming within the scope of any of the preceding
trusts in
cases not sections, where there is no trust, but the person having possession of
expressly property has not the whole beneficial interest therein, he must hold the
provided
property for the benefit of the persons having such interest, or the residue
for
thereof (as the case may be), to the extent necessary to satisfy their just
demands.
Illustrations
(a) A, an executor, distributes the assets of his testator B to the legatees
without having paid the whole of B's debts. The legatees hold for the
benefit of B's creditors, to the extent necessary to satisfy their just
demands, the assets so distributed.
(b) A by mistake assumes the character of a trustee for B, and under

colour of the trust receives certain money. B may compel him to account
for such moneys.
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
(c) A makes a gift of a lakh of Taka to B, reserving to himself, with B's
assent, power to revoke at pleasure the gift as to Tk. 10,000. The gift is
void as to Tk. 10,000, and B holds that sum for the benefit of A.
Obligor’s 95. The person holding property in accordance with any of the preceding
duties,
liabilities sections of this Chapter must, so far as may be, perform the same duties,
and and is subject, so far as may be, to the same liabilities and disabilities, as
disabilities
if he were a trustee of the property for the person for whose benefit he
hold it:
Provided that (a) where he rightfully cultivates the property or employs it in

trade or business, he is entitled to reasonable remuneration for his trouble,
skill and loss of time in such cultivation or employment; and (b) where he
holds the property by virtue of a contract with a person for whose benefit
he holds it, or with any one through whom such person claims, he may,
without the permission of the Court, buy or become lessee or mortgagee
of the property or any part thereof.
Saving of 96. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall impair the rights of transferees
rights of
bona fide in good faith for consideration, or create an obligation in evasion of any
purchasers law for the time being in force.
1 Throughout this Act, except otherwise provided, the words “Bangladesh”, “Government” and “Taka” or “Tk.” were
substituted, for the words “Pakistan”, “Central Government” or “Provincial Government” and “rupees” or “Rs.” respectively
by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
2 The word “Muslim” was substituted, for the word “Muhammadan” by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh
Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
3 The words, comma and figure “Registration Act, 1908” were substituted, for the words, comma and figure “Indian
Registration Act, 1877” by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act
No. VIII of 1973)
4 The word “Dhaka” was substituted, for the word “Karachi” by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws
(Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
5 The word “Dhaka” was substituted, for the word “Karachi” by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws
6 The words “of the Government” were substituted, for the words and comma “of any Provincial Government or of the
Central Government, or of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland” by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the
Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882
7 The word “the” was substituted, for the words “any such” and "such" respectively by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the
8 The word “the” was substituted, for the words “any such” and "such" respectively by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the
9 Clauses (b) and (bb) were omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration)
Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
10 Clauses (c) and (d) were substituted, for clauses (c) and (d) by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws
11 The word "Bangladesh" was substituted, for the word "a Province" by section 3 and 2nd Schedule the Bangladesh Laws
12 The words “Supreme Court” were substituted, for the words “High Court” by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the
13 Section 20A was inserted by section 3 of the Indian Trusts (Amendment) Act, 1916 (Act No. I of 1916)
14 Section 20B was inserted by section 2 of the Trusts (Amendment) Act, 2000 (Act No. XXI of 2000)
15 The words, commas and figure “investments made before this Act comes into force, or shall be deemed to precluded an
investment on a mortgage of immovable property already pledged as security for an advance under the Land Improvement
Act, 1871 or” were omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973
(Act No. VIII of 1973)
16 The second paragraph of section 82 was omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision
And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
Copyright © 2019, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs

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25/01/2021 The Trusts Act, 1882

The Trusts Act, 1882

[ 13th January, 1882 ]

Local It extends to the whole of Bangladesh. But nothing herein contained

personal law, or applies to public or private religious or charitable

[Omitted] 2. [Omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws

(Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973).]

Interpretation- 3. A “trust” is an obligation annexed to the ownership of property, and

property” or “trust-money”: the “beneficial interest” or “interest” of the

beneficiary is his right against the trustee as owner of the trust-property;

time being in force, is called a “breach of trust”:

abstention from inquiry or gross negligence, he would have known it, or

permitted, it would defeat the provisions of any law, or (c) is fraudulent, or

Court regards it as immoral or opposed to public policy.

property is immoveable and situate in a foreign country, the law of such

(a) A conveys property to B in trust to apply the profits to the nurture of

female foundings to be trained up as prostitutes. The trust is void.

(b) A bequeaths property to B in trust to employ it in carrying on a

The trust is void.

(c) A, while in insolvent circumstances, transfers property to B in trust for A

trust for A is invalid as against his creditors.

Trust of 5. No trust in relation to immoveable property is valid unless declared by a

Trust of No trust in relation to moveable property is valid unless declared as

These rules do not apply where they would operate so as to effectuate a

declared by will or the author of the trust is himself to be the trustee)

transfers the trust- property to the trustee.

(a) A bequeaths certain property to B, “having the fullest confidence that

(b) A bequeaths certain property to B, “hoping he will continue it in the

(c) A bequeaths certain property to B, requesting him to distribute it among

(d) A bequeaths certain property to B, desiring him to divide the bulk of it

not indicated with sufficient certainty.

(e) A bequeaths a shop and stock-in-trade to B, on condition that he pays

Who may 7. A trust may be created-

(b) with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, by

dispose of the trust –property.

Subject of 8. The subject-matter of a trust must be properly transferable to the

It must not be merely beneficial interest under a subsisting trust.

Who may 9. Every person capable of holding property may be a beneficiary.

trust, a claim inconsistent therewith.

No one No one is bound to accept a trust.

from vesting in him.

A disclaimer by one of two or more co-trustees vests the trust-property in

the date of the creation of the trust.

(a) A bequeaths certain property to B and C, his executors, as trustees for

and C hold the property in trust for D.

regards B, a trust of the proceeds is created for A's creditors.

to the specific purpose. This is an acceptance of the trust.

purposes of this section, be given by a principal Civil Court of original

Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require a trustee to obey any

direction when to do so would be impracticable, illegal or manifestly

injurious to the beneficiaries.

Explanation - Unless a contrary intention be expressed, the purpose of a

payment without interest.

(a) A, a trustee, is simply authorised to sell certain land by public auction.

He cannot sell the land by private contract.

to B for a specified sum. X, Y and Z, being competent to contract, consent

to lend, on B's request, trust-property to B's husband, C, on the security of

refuse to make it.

(a) The trust-property is a debt outstanding on personal security. The

instrument of trust gives the trustee no discretionary power to leave the