B.Mirror Desk: A delegation from the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday, where they discussed the current state of the country’s housing sector and measures to support its long-term development.
The meeting focused on planned urbanisation, challenges surrounding the implementation of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP), and policy initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable growth in the real estate industry.
During the discussion, the REHAB delegation urged the government to reduce registration fees for land, plots and apartments to a more reasonable level. The association also called for the complete digitalisation of government services related to the housing sector to improve efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business.
The delegation further proposed a rational increase in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to ensure optimal use of limited land resources in the capital. It also recommended encouraging vertical urban development as a practical solution to accommodate growing housing demand.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman acknowledged the housing sector’s significant contribution to the national economy, saying its continued growth is essential for accelerating economic development. He said the government is working to create a transparent, accountable and investment-friendly environment for the industry while ensuring that the sector develops in a planned, sustainable and corruption-free manner.
The Prime Minister noted that several reform initiatives have already been introduced to curb irregularities and corruption in the housing sector, adding that more effective measures would be undertaken in the future.
He also stressed that urban development should not remain centred only on the capital, but should be expanded across other regions of the country through balanced and well-planned development. At the same time, he underscored the importance of protecting agricultural land while implementing development projects.