Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) met Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam on Thursday, pressing for amendments to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and broader reforms in the housing sector.

REHAB President Ali Afzal led the delegation of board members to RAJUK's headquarters, where senior officials of the authority were also present.

Flagging inconsistencies between current DAP provisions and ground realities, Ali Afzal argued the plan needs urgent revision.

He called for expanding opportunities for high-rise and planned construction, along the lines of city centres to accommodate modern urbanisation within Dhaka's land constraints.

The REHAB president also stressed the need to demarcate separate zones for agriculture, housing, industries and afforestation to ensure planned development across the country, while urging special credit facilities and incentives at the district and upazila levels to promote decentralisation of Dhaka.

REHAB Senior Vice President Abdur Razzaque proposed holding a dedicated extended session to address the full range of issues related to DAP and the housing sector.

RAJUK Chairman Riazul accepted the proposal and assured participants that such a session will be arranged in due course.

“This country belongs to all of us. It is imperative to build a planned and sustainable housing system for everyone,” he said, praising REHAB's role and reaffirming his commitment to working jointly with the association.

REHAB Vice Presidents Mohammad Akhtar Biswas and Md Harun-or-Rashid, along with Director Md Mahbubur Rahman and other board members, also shared their views during the meeting.