REHAB Announces Reforms to Expand Member Benefits
The newly elected President of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) Dr. Ali Afzal, has announced a series of major reforms and various benefits for members aimed at transforming the housing sector.
He has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to revitalize the industry.
In an exclusive interview with The Shuttle Times, he detailed a multi-pronged strategy to enhance member benefits and operational efficiency including a digital database, increasing expatriate investment and construction of ‘REHAB Square’ in Uttara.
Dr. Ali stated that these initiatives are designed to foster a more transparent, responsive and member-centric environment. By streamlining administrative hurdles and embracing technology, the reforms aim to make business operations for members smoother and more predictable.
Dr. Afzal said that the organisation’s image will be restored, transparency will be enhanced and business benefits for members will be increased. Alongside these improvements, legal assistance, fast service and democratic decision-making will be ensured.
The new president further noted that while various misconceptions spread in the society about the real estate sector, the association members are, in reality, playing an important role in the development of modern cities.
The new president complained that the previous committee had severely damaged the organisation’s reputation. To restore its image, he announced that his committee will discuss frequently on various issues with government to address ongoing issues.
He expressed his commitment to hold meetings and dialogues aimed at resolving current challenges and advancing the housing industry to support social development.
Dr. Afzal believes that if the association presents reasonable demands and practical suggestions, the government will be receptive.
He emphasized the importance of presenting and accurate picture of the industry alongside viable solutions, noting that consistent engagement is necessary to secure government support and cooperation.
Dr. Afzal stated the new committee will operate independently and democratically. To ensure accountability, a monthly bulletin will be published detailing all activities of the Board of Directors. Furthermore, regular audit reports will be made public and multi sub-committees will be formed to expedite the association’s work.
He claimed that in the past, the organization was not managed in accordance with the expectations of its members; consequently, they did not receive the level services they anticipated.
Dr. Afzal asserted that the association will become a completely democratic platform, emphasizing that no single decision will be made unilaterally. Instead, all actions will be determined through joint discussions by the Board of Directors. Furthermore, he assured members that they will now receive comprehensive legal assistance and professional business advice.
The construction of the 10-story ‘REHAB Square’ in Dhaka’s Uttara is set to begin within the next three months. The association administrative branch confirmed that all necessary preparations have already been completed.
The facility will feature both a family club and a member-exclusive club.
Additionally, it will house a state-of-the-art convention center for meetings, seminars and social events which members can rent at a discounted rate.
To further enhance support, a dedicated hotline will be launched to handle both business-related inquiries and consumer complaints.
A plan has been taken to establish a specialized university dedicated to cultivating skilled manpower for housing sector. The institution will focus exclusively on real estate and housing education, ensuring that students are professionally equipped to apply their talents directly to the industry upon graduation.
A ‘Price Monitoring Cell’ will be formed to monitor the prices of essential construction materials including rods and cement. This cell will be tasked with market monitoring and breaking market syndicates.
Additionally, He also plans to negotiate with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to reduce customs duties on imported of construction materials.
To make housing more accessible, discussions will be held with the government to introduce long-term housing loans for general public at an interest rate 5-7%.
Furthermore, REHAB plans to consult with Bangladesh Bank to set up a special fund, especially for those who are buying flats for the first time.
Industry insiders noted that about 269 industries are directly and indirectly involved in this sector in Bangladesh.
Experts highlight that the real-estate sector has faced significant pressure recently due to the surging costs of construction materials and high interest rates.
A large-scale ‘REHAB Fair’ and international roadshows are being planned to boost the country’s remittance inflow and encourage expatriate investment in this industry. These initiatives aim to provide a secure and legal framework for expatriates to invest in the country and purchase flats or plots with confidence.
To further safeguard the industry, a centralized digital database will be established.
This digital database will host comprehensive information on all active and upcoming projects, allowing potential buyers to verify project details easily.
By providing accessible data to all, the association aims to significantly increase transparency and eliminate the risk of fraud.
A dedicated Research and Development (R&D) wing will be established to explore new technologies and integration of sustainable construction materials within the housing sector.
This wing will host experts focused on developing low-cost, earthquake-resistant and eco-friendly housing solutions.
The new committee is placing a strong emphasis on “Green” housing projects for future generation. Members will be actively encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly materials and modern engineering techniques in all future building constructions.
REHAB will request to RAJUK authority to introduce a digital tracking system for simplifying RAJUK plan approval process, minimizing administrative hurdles and accelerate the approval timeline.
It will help to know all administrative workflows, ensuring that members can secure design approvals quickly and without facing unnecessary harassment.
Furthermore, the Liaison Committee will be strengthened to better facilitate the implementation of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and RAJUK design approvals.
Dr. Ali Afzal has initiated high-level discussions with RAJUK and government to address the reform Detailed Area Plan (DAP).
He argues to reduce the pressure on Dhaka, the government should allow for increased building heights and floor areas through a planned approach which would naturally lower flat prices.
Consequently, he has called for a more realistic and scientifically grounded revision of DAP to better reflect the city's housing needs.
REHAB President Dr. Ali has placed significant emphasis on modernizing home loan policies to revitalize housing sector and transform it into a billion-dollar market.
He identified current high interest rates as the primary obstacle hindering growth in the industry.
He called on the government to provide long-term home loans at a maximum interest rate of 9% for middle and lower-middle-class buyers.
The REHAB president proposed a substantial increase in individual home loan limits.
Currently, banks are permitted to lend a maximum of Tk 2 crore per individual; Dr. Afzal has urged the government to raise this limit to Tk 4 crore or Tk 5 crore.
He argued that because the cost of construction materials has driven property prices higher, the current loan ceiling is no longer sufficient.
Without an increased limit, many potential buyers will remain unable to secure the financing necessary to finalize their purchases.
According to industry experts, the housing sector is a vital pillar of the Bangladesh economy, supporting millions of jobs both directly and indirectly.
The implementation of these strategic plans by REHAB’s new leadership is expected to usher in a modern, digital, and transparent era for the industry.
By combining technological integration, increased expatriate investment, and comprehensive policy reforms, Bangladesh's real estate sector is well-positioned to achieve unprecedented growth and stability.
Strategic Outlook
| Objective | Expected Outcome |
| Price Monitoring Cell | Stabilization of rod and cement prices by breaking market syndicates. |
| "Green" Projects | Long-term environmental sustainability and lower energy costs for residents. |
| Digital Tracking | Faster project turnover and reduced "hidden costs" of bureaucracy. |
| Expatriate Fairs | Increased foreign exchange reserves and boosted demand for premium plots. |
