Dhaka’s skyline transforms as flat owners reach 3.5 lakh
“Currently, around 350,000 families in Dhaka own flats. The condominiums being developed now are of international standard. A flat is not just a place to live—it has become a marker of social status. We want to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to become a flat owner in a fair and non-discriminatory manner in the future,” REHAB President Wahiduzzaman said.
The number of flat owners in Dhaka has risen to around 350,000 due to the steady expansion of the housing sector, said Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) President Wahiduzzaman today (22 December).
Wahiduzzaman said this while announcing the dates of the four-day 'REHAB Fair 2025' at a programme held at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Auditorium in the capital.
He said housing projects are expanding rapidly in Dhaka, leading to a growing number of flat owners. Buyers are showing increasing interest in condominiums developed on limited land.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Currently, around 350,000 families in Dhaka own flats. The condominiums being developed now are of international standard. A flat is not just a place to live—it has become a marker of social status. We want to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to become a flat owner in a fair and non-discriminatory manner in the future," Wahiduzzaman said.
Referring to the gazette of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) published on 14 December, the REHAB leader said they are satisfied with the new regulations, noting that many inconsistencies and complications of the previous Detailed Area Plan (DAP) have been resolved.
"This DAP does not favour any particular group. It is a balanced DAP, which is why we have expressed our satisfaction. However, there are still some issues, and we will sit with the authorities to discuss them," Wahiduzzaman added.
He said becoming a REHAB member is mandatory for anyone wishing to do business in the housing sector, as stipulated by a circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
About 1,500 real estate companies are still outside REHAB membership, and initiatives are underway to bring them under the association. "Many people fall victim to fraud by purchasing flats from non-REHAB members. We are working sincerely to address this problem," he said.
Speaking about flat prices in Dhaka, REHAB Senior Vice President Liakat Ali Bhuiyan said prices in some areas exceed Tk10 million mainly due to high land costs, while flats are comparatively cheaper in areas where land prices are lower. However, he noted that flat prices have increased overall compared to the past.
Meanwhile, REHAB Vice President-2 Akter Biswas said the association is committed to constructing earthquake-resistant buildings by following proper planning guidelines.
REHAB plans to organise a workshop in the future to further raise awareness among real estate developers on the issue, he added.
