TBT Desk: Leaders from Bangladesh's housing and related linkage industries have raised strong objections to the current Detailed Area Plan (DAP 2022-2035), calling it discriminatory and blaming it for creating a state of stagnation in the national economy. They are urging the interim government to take immediate steps to prevent further damage to investment and employment in this critical sector.
At a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club's Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall on Tuesday, key figures from the housing sector and associated industries came together to voice their concerns. Organised with the aim of highlighting the crisis and pushing for policy reforms, the event was led by REHAB President Md Wahiduzzaman, who delivered a written statement on behalf of the sector.
"The new DAP's restrictions on floor area ratio have brought the housing sector to a grinding halt," said Wahiduzzaman. "Investment is falling, employment is shrinking, and the economy is suffering as a result."
Among those present were Sheikh Masadul Alam Masud, Founding Chairman of the Bangladesh Steel Manufacturers Association; Shankar Kumar Roy, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association; Md Niaz Ali Chishti, former President of the Electronic Equipment and Security Association of Bangladesh; Emdad Ur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Elevator, Escalator and Lift Importers Association; Shamim Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association; Md Hossain Alamgir, President of the Bangladesh Glass Merchants Association; Md Akhtar Hossain Dhali, Senior Vice-President of the Bangladesh Electrical Cables Manufacturers Association; and Tanvir Mohammad Dipu, Treasurer of the Bangladesh Timber Importers and Exporters Association.
The press conference was moderated by Muhammad Labib Billah, Director of REHAB and Chairman of its Press and Media Committee.
Industry leaders explained that under the new DAP, building height and volume restrictions have made landowners reluctant to hand over plots to developers. As a result, new projects are not being launched, paralysing the housing market and dealing a severe blow to more than 200 linkage industries-including steel, cement, brick, paint, cables, tiles, aluminium, sanitary goods and more.
Wahiduzzaman noted that over 4 million people are directly employed in this industry, with nearly 20 million depending on it for their livelihoods. "Demand for rods has dropped by 50%, production is being scaled back, and workers are already being laid off," he said. "If this continues, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Despite the government's transitional status, REHAB urged it to treat the matter with urgency and act swiftly to protect the sector from collapse. "If the housing industry is not revived, long-term damage to the economy is inevitable. National development could come to a standstill," Wahiduzzaman warned.
Echoing his concerns, Sheikh Masadul Alam Masud said, "When the housing sector thrives, our related industries naturally benefit. But right now, we are in distress. The discriminatory DAP and the existing building regulations have made things worse."
He noted a drastic fall in demand for steel, cement, and other building materials. "Rod sales have halved. The same is true for bricks and other inputs," he added.
REHAB Vice-President (Finance), Abdur Razzak, revealed that his company has had to downsize from 350 employees to just 75 due to the slowdown. Meanwhile, Akhtar Hossain Dhali reported that the domestic cable industry-responsible for 98% of the country's cable needs-has seen production drop by 50% due to fewer housing projects.
Emdad Ur Rahman said the market for lifts has practically vanished because of restrictions on building height. "We are facing a major crisis," he said.
Speakers at the event collectively called on the government to play a proactive role in resolving the deadlock. "Without immediate intervention, the stagnation will deepen, putting at risk not only this industry but the broader economy," they said.