Having already handed over security deposits eight months ago, 696 hopeful buyers in Habiganj have seen their dream of securing a government residential plot frozen following a last-minute political intervention.
The National Housing Authority (NHA) plans to reopen applications for the plots at Dhuliakhal, on the outskirts of Habiganj town, after Habiganj-3 MP GK Gouse requested that more people be allowed to apply.
The decision has sparked anger among existing applicants, particularly those from low- and middle-income groups, who say the prolonged delay has already caused them financial hardship.
The Tk27.41 crore Site and Services Residential Plot Project was undertaken in 2016 under the NHA’s Sylhet division to provide housing plots for low- and middle-income people. Approved in 2017, the project involved acquiring approximately 16.5 acres of land, where earth-filling work has been completed.
In January, the authority advertised 132 plots measuring from 2.5 kathas to five kathas and above. Around 1,100 application forms were sold at Tk1,000 each before the February deadline.
Of these, 696 applications were submitted with security deposits. Applicants seeking plots measuring four kathas or more deposited Tk2 lakh each, while those seeking smaller plots paid Tk1.5 lakh.
The deposits were made in favour of the NHA chairman, but the lottery has yet to take place, more than eight months after applications closed.
According to the project prospectus, land prices are estimated at Tk5.13 lakh per katha, subject to adjustment. Successful applicants may pay in instalments or a lump sum, while unsuccessful applicants will receive their security deposits back.
Allottees must construct houses within five years of receiving allotment letters, following approved building plans. Otherwise, their allotments will be cancelled, with five per cent of the deposited money forfeited.
NHA sources said preparations for the lottery had begun before Gouse requested the housing and public works minister to reopen applications. The process was subsequently suspended, with preparations now under way for a fresh notice.
Existing applicants questioned the decision, arguing that applications already outnumber available plots by more than five to one.
“We are low-income people. We applied hoping to receive plots on time, but the authorities have failed to arrange the lottery even after eight months,” said applicant Shipa Akter.
“When there are nearly seven applications for each of the 132 plots, I cannot understand why they want to accept more applications instead of increasing the number of plots,” she said.
Another applicant, Enam Mia, raised concerns about possible political favouritism.
“Allowing fresh applications raises suspicions about whether there is an attempt to distribute plots among party leaders and activists. We want the plots allocated among those who have already applied,” he said.
Applicant Kamal Ahmed said the decision had undermined their hopes of securing housing.
“We applied with great hopes, but now others are being given an opportunity at the expense of our dreams,” he said.
Defending his request, Gouse said many people might have been unaware of the application process conducted during the caretaker government’s tenure.
“I want more applications to be submitted. I want people to know about the plot allocation process. What is the harm in accepting fresh applications? The more application forms are sold, the more revenue the government will earn,” he said.
Trilok Kanti Chowdhury Bijon, Habiganj district president of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), said reopening applications would waste time and money, arguing that there was no justification for another round.
NHA Sylhet Division Executive Engineer (Civil) Nazamul Hoque Mazumder confirmed that the ministry had decided to accept additional applications following the MP’s request.
He said both existing and new applications would be included in the lottery.
NHA Chairman Mosammat Ferdousi Begum said a fresh application notice would be published soon following instructions from higher authorities.
She said applications would remain open for 21 days and assured that the lottery would be conducted transparently.
