Realtors have sought government's necessary policy support for development of the country's housing sector for ensuring accommodation for people of different income groups.
The appeal came when the newly elected leaders of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) made a courtesy call on Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher at the latter's office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.
The REHAR leaders said the government's policy support is essential for the overall development of the country's housing sector, aiming to ensure affordable housing and help achieve modern urban management.
The meeting discussed issues relating to the current challenges of the housing sector, investment situation and issues of ensuring affordable housing for the common people, according to a statement.
Member of Parliament (Narayanganj-1 constituency) Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan and Housing and Public Works Secretary Nazrul Islam were present at the meeting.
The President of REHAB Dr. Ali Afzal said despite having its significant contribution to the country's economy, the real estate sector has been facing some challenges due to various policy complications, high construction costs and financing crunch.
"We hope that, with effective cooperation from the government, this sector will become more dynamic and it will be possible to ensure affordable housing for the common people," the REHAB president was quoted as saying.
He also said in order to move the housing sector forward in a planned manner, it is necessary to ensure long-term policy support and financing on easy terms.
In response, the minister said the government is sincere in developing the country's housing sector and has already undertaken various plans to this effect.
"A modern, sustainable and people-friendly housing sector will be developed through coordination with REHAB," he was quoted as saying.
He further said the government would continue to provide necessary policy support to ensure affordable housing for the common people.
REHAB Senior Vice President of Abdur Razzaque and its Vice Presidents Abu Khalid Md. Barkatullah and A F M Ubaidullah were present among others.
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