A delegation from the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) met Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostakur Rahman on Sunday to discuss boosting long-term financing for the housing sector. Led by REHAB President Dr Ali Afzal, the group proposed creating a special housing fund and offering home loans at single-digit interest rates, the governor said.
Ali Afzal said, “If low-interest, easy-condition housing loans for flat buyers are launched for the first time, middle- and lower-middle-income people will achieve home ownership. At the same time, the housing sector will energise the economy,” he added.
REHAB Senior Vice President Abdur Razzak emphasised the need for planned housing in districts and upazilas to decentralise Dhaka and encourage people to live outside the capital.
Other REHAB representatives included Vice Presidents-1 Mohammad Akhtar Biswas, Vice President-2 Abu Khalid Md Barkat Ullah, Vice President-3 AFM. Obaidullah, Vice President (Finance) Md Harun Or Rashid, and Director Tasnova Mahbub Salam. They outlined sector challenges, opportunities, and demands to the governor.
Governor Md Mostakur Rahman said the housing sector is vital for the country’s economy, employment, and industrialisation. He noted that housing loans are among the safest in the banking sector, often carrying interest rates nearly 2 per cent lower than other loans.
He said Bangladesh Bank is developing a bond-based financing system to ensure long-term housing loan availability. “Once implemented, this initiative will expand long-term funding and make home loans more accessible for ordinary citizens,” he said.
The meeting concluded in a cordial and productive environment, with both sides committing to collaborate on sustainable housing development, increased investment, and wider access to housing for the public.
