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Regulators on Wednesday urged the country's real estate developers to strictly comply with all relevant rules and regulations, particularly the latest Detailed Area Plan (DAP), to ensure better living conditions in the capital.
They also called for environment-friendly construction and adequate road access to buildings so that emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigades can operate smoothly, ensuring public safety and security.
The call was made at the inauguration of the four-day REHAB Fair 2025, the 27th edition of the country's largest housing exposition, being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital's Agargaon.
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Engr Md Reazul Islam attended the ceremony as the special guest, while National Housing Authority (NHA) Chairman Mosammat Ferdousi Begum was present as the guest of honour. The programme was presided over by Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) President Md Wahiduzzaman, with senior leaders and directors of the trade body also in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the RAJUK chairman said realtors play a pivotal role in urban development but must move beyond narrow business interests to prioritise the overall welfare of the city. He emphasised the need for a transition towards "green buildings" to ensure sustainable urban growth.
He warned that constructing high-rise buildings without sufficient road access for emergency vehicles serves no national interest and benefits only a handful of stakeholders. "We established a city and constructed buildings where fire brigades and ambulances cannot enter.
What is the benefit of that?" he said, adding that such practices mainly generate profits for developers, landowners and a section of officials.
He also urged developers to strictly follow the new DAP and building codes, cautioning that non-compliance could lead to legal consequences.
NHA Chairman Mosammat Ferdousi Begum said closer collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential to meet housing demand in a land-scarce country like Bangladesh. She expressed concern over frequent complaints lodged with the NHA regarding discrepancies between sale agreements and the final handover of flats.
"Many complaints are filed with me as the chairperson of the NHA. The main allegation is inconsistency between the agreement and the final handover," she said, urging developers to ensure compliance and transparency.
She also advocated inclusive urbanisation, encouraging projects that incorporate green spaces, children's play areas and specialised housing for working women and single mothers.
Responding to the regulators, REHAB President Md Wahiduzzaman said the association had held 37 meetings with RAJUK to finalise the latest building code and DAP, which he believes will help restore stability in the real estate business.
He also urged RAJUK to ensure uninterrupted operation of the Electronic Construction Permitting System (ECPS) and to address delays in plan approvals.
According to the organisers, the fair will remain open from 10:00am to 9:00pm each day. Single-entry tickets are priced at Tk 50, while multiple-entry tickets cost Tk 100, allowing up to five entries. Around 220 companies, including housing and land developers, home loan providers and building material suppliers, are showcasing their products and services at the event.
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