Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday stated the government’s commitment to establishing a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly environment for the sustainable, planned, and corruption-free development of the housing sector.
According to United News of Bangladesh, during a meeting with a delegation from the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) at the Secretariat, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized the necessity of planned and sustainable urbanization for Bangladesh’s long-term economic growth. The Prime Minister underscored that urban development should not be confined to Dhaka, urging a focus on balanced development across the country while preserving agricultural land.
At the meeting, the REHAB delegation addressed the current status of the housing industry, challenges related to planned urbanization, practical issues stemming from the implementation of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP), and the necessary measures for the sector’s long-term development. The association proposed reducing land, plot, and apartment registration fees to a reasonable level to stimulate investment in the housing sector.
The delegation also advocated for the complete digitalization of government services related to the real estate sector to enhance efficiency and transparency. Additionally, REHAB leaders pressed for a rational increase in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and the promotion of vertical urban development to optimize the use of limited land, particularly in the capital.
In his address to the delegation, Tarique Rahman identified the housing sector as a key driver of the national economy. He reiterated the government’s efforts to establish a conducive environment for the growth of the housing industry in a planned, sustainable, and corruption-free manner. The Prime Minister detailed ongoing reform initiatives aimed at preventing irregularities in the housing sector and mentioned that further effective measures are being developed.
He also highlighted the importance of expanding planned urbanization beyond Dhaka, stressing that other regions should be developed with equal importance while safeguarding agricultural land. Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, along with REHAB President Dr. Ali Afzal, Vice-President-2 Abu Khalid Md Barkatullah, and senior representatives from leading real estate companies, attended the meeting. These companies included Eastern Housing Ltd, United Group, Rupayan Group, Amin Mohammad Group, Century Group, US-Bangla Assets Ltd, and Swadesh Properties Ltd.