The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a seminar in the city yesterday called for a suitable policy to develop low cost houses to meet the growing demand.

They also urged the government to consult real estate developers for framing any ordinance or rule governing the housing sector.

Prof Anwar Hossain, Pro Vice Chancellor of American International University was the chief guest at the seminar organised by the Gharbari, a housing magazine at the National Press Club. Editor of the Nayadiganta Alamgir Mohiuddin was in the chair.

Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) President Tanvirul Hoque Probal was the main speaker while Md Abdul Quiyum, Chairman of National Housing Authority and Kamal Uddin, Senior Vice President of FBCCI were special guests.

Tanvirul Hoque Probal said the annual demand for houses in the metropolises was one lakh, but their availability was much lower than the demand.

Against the backdrop, the framing of any law to restrict the activities of real estate developers could only negate affect in the sector.

They complained that the real estate developers were yet to get support from the government in the form of tax and duty reductions to reduce the price of flats constructed by them.

The pressure on the city of Dhaka would come down if the government ensures tax holiday for constructions of houses in the metropolises.

Md Abdul Quiyum, Chairman of National Housing Authority called for the development of the tranships around the city by

developing the transport network for development of liner along the Dhaka Chittagong driveway to reduce the pressure in the city.

He called for changing design of building to bring down their cost to make houses affordable for people of the limited income groups.

FR Khan, Managing Director of the SF developers Limited, said rigorous laws would make businessmen to withdraw from the housing sector and concentrate on the other business. The government would lose revenue of Tk 2,000 crore or more a year as a result, he noted.

The seminar was also addressed by Ershad Majumder, chief editor of Gharbari, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Editor of the New Nation, Shahidullah of SD Properties and Mr Mohsin, treasurer of REHAB, among others.