Author: Muhammad Taufiq Ali, CEO, Architecture Research Centre( A R C)
On a sunny morning Mr.Mamun was having his morning exercise with his grandson Shuvo and Suchona in their neighbourhood walkway. After jogging a while he got tired and seated at nearby lakeside benches. Shuvo took safe drinking water from the adjacent water source. Suchona jumped a little to grab ripe mangoes from the mango tree that was shading them also.They all enjoyed the ripe mangoes and then Suchona got ride to her bicycle and on way to her sweet home she met her father Abrar who along with mr.Kamrul uncle who is their neighbour were working on vegetable garden in front of their tiny 4 storied apartment building.She took some fresh vegetables in her basket and rushed to her mother Salma to prepare a healthy breakfast for them.On the other route .Shuvo got ride to a paddle boat with his grandfather and while paddling he caught a medium sized fish with his fishing rod
The above is the picture of a harmonious social housing in a densely populated city of Bangladesh as designed by a research based architectural consultant, ARC,who are now planning to implement it as pilot projects in 4 different cities of Bangladesh. This project is designed in such a way where minimum daily movement is required by an individual to save energy and time. Lush green natural agricultural production with poultry, fish and meat to ensures food safety as well as employment of its habitants & Innovative waste management supply chain to ensure cleanliness and green energy as well.
Social housing could be the lifeline to solve the acute problem of accomodation for the growing population of the country. It can also give a light of hope to frustrated unemployed educated people
Social housing in Bangladesh is a burning issue with a growing need for affordable housing solutions.The government Initiatives by NHA is very inadequate and insufficient. Acquiring land for housing projects, especially in urban areas, can be challenging due to land ownership issues, legal complexities, and land prices Leasing land for housing development can reduce upfront costs and facilitate long-term planning.Recently the government has encouraged PPPs to leverage private sector expertise and resources for housing development. The government has introduced various housing finance schemes to facilitate access to credit for homebuyers.
Involving communities in the planning and implementation of housing projects is crucial for ensuring ownership and sustainability.Building sustainable and resilient housing is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.\trong government leadership and policy support are essential to prioritize social housing and create enabling environments.Exploring innovative financing options, such as social impact bonds and crowd-funding, can help mobilize additional resources.Adopting modern construction techniques and technologies can reduce costs and improve efficiency.Empowering communities to participate in housing decision-making and self-help initiatives can strengthen their resilience and ownership.
The government has taken initiatives to take up housing projects for the low-income people, especially the slum dwellers, in various cities across the country .
In the implementation of the project, Housing and Public Works department suggested environmental protection, necessary forestation, preservation of open space, setting up of playgrounds, sewerage treatment plants, maximum use of solar energy, use of block bricks instead of traditional bricks, provision of rainwater harvesting, and maximum use of surface water.
Initially, it is directed that the implementation of the proposal under the National Housing Authority to construct 12,600 flats in 100 multi-storied buildings in three phases in Dattapara of Tongi at the earliest.
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) and Public Works Department is directed to take up projects for construction of flats for low-income people in Karail slums and T&T Colony slums of the capital through separate projects.10 acres of land has been earmarked for the housing of low-income people in the Uttara Housing Project (Phase III) under implementation by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). The National Housing Authority has constructed 533 rent-based flats for the slum dwellers in Mirpur area in the capital.
In addition to own financing for the implementation of the project, financing from various development aid organizations will also be accepted if possible.
IFC’s investment marks an important milestone in the development of the domestic long-term bond market in Bangladesh. It also demonstrates opportunities for both foreign and local investors to invest in such thematic bonds in the domestic corporate bond market. Additionally, it’s expected the investment will spur thousands of new jobs in construction and related industries.
Bangladesh is undergoing rapid urbanization, with its urban population soaring from 30 million in 2000 to 70 million by 2023. This growth, alongside a trend of smaller households, has created an overwhelming demand for affordable housing. Currently, there is a housing deficit of about 6 million units, projected to rise to 10.5 million by 2030, with 70% of that demand for affordable options. Unfortunately, only 31,500 units are built annually—just 1% of what’s needed. This imbalance has led to a surge in slum growth, with Dhaka’s slum population increasing by 20% from 2010 to 2020, even as housing prices rose by 150%. Today, 1.73 million people still live in slums, highlighting the urgent need for effective housing solutions.
Government of Bangladesh has recognized housing as a key challenge in achieving SDG 11 on “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” In response, UNDP has been showcasing sustainable solutions across five cities, Chandpur, Khustia, Gopalganj, Rangpur, and Noakhali. These cities were chosen for their vulnerability to climate threats and their growth as secondary urban centers reaching over 800 families. This approach has proven successful, and immediate action is needed for a nationwide scale-up.
To make social housing schemes succesful Bangladesh requires a multi-dimensional approach involving government, private sector and community participation.By overcoming land acquisition, financing, and regulatory hurdles, and by embracing innovative solutions, Bangladesh can provide affordable and dignified housing for its growing population
Data and reference Source:
BSS news
Camille Funnell and Ahsan Z Khan
The Quest for Affordable Housing in Bangladesh
Kirtijai Pahari, Strategic Communications and Outreach Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh
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