In an effort to give a boost to the country’s sluggish housing business, approved realtors are now eyeing Bangladeshi expatriates, living in the USA, through a three-day fair there next month. The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) will host the fair at Soundview Broadcasting Avenue, Actoria, New York from September 1-3. This will be the 11th version of the housing fair titled ‘REHAB Housing Fair-2013’ in the US city. “It’s an effort to facilitate our members and clients bringing both on the same platform. The REHAB members will join the fair with their approved projects,” REHAB general secretary M Wahiduzzaman told UNB over phone. He said the event will help disseminate information about the Real Estate sector and the present scenario of Bangladesh to the valued clients and visitors which will surely help them make their choice for a ‘dream home’ in Bangladesh. An official at the REHAB public relation department said around 50 companies will participate in the fair to attract prospective Bangladesh-origin US citizens to buy apartments and plots back at home. “The feedback from the previous 10 fairs is very positive that prompts the REHAB to continue such fair in New York,” the official said. Responding to a question, the REHAB official said a code of conduct has already been set for the members and they will keep their approved certificates in favour of their projects in the stall mandatorily. Bangladesh Ambassador in the USA Akramul Qader will inaugurate the fair as the chief guest. Consul General Monirul Islam will also attend it. In a message, Akramul Qader said, “I believe this forthcoming fair in New York will encourage the prospective buyers to invest their capital in Bangladesh. I’m confident that real estate developers will live up to their commitment as they seek to meet the demand of Bangladeshi expatriates for sustainable housing back at home.” With the increasing housing demand amid the growing population, ‘apartment culture’ has grown up in the country sharply, especially in the two major cities of Dhaka and Chittagong. The apartment housing was first introduced in capital Dhaka by formal private developers in the early 80s. Currently, buyers are more interested in buying flats than building their own houses, industry insiders. -UNB
