China considers $813M housing project for Dhaka slums
Plan seeks to transform living conditions for low-income families in crowded capital, with existing residents promised rent-free apartments
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — China has agreed to consider financing an estimated $813 million project to build modern housing for thousands of families living in three major slum settlements in Bangladesh’s densely populated capital Dhaka.
The proposed 100 billion Bangladeshi taka project would redevelop the Karail, Sattala and Bhasantek slums with high-rise residential buildings and rehabilitate their existing residents in apartments without charging them rent, according to Dhaka Tribune.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moin Khan at the Secretariat on Thursday.
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said China had agreed to consider the proposal, which Bangladesh had formally submitted through its Economic Relations Division.
If Beijing is unable to finance the entire project at once, Chinese investment could be provided in phases, with priority components developed first, Alam said.
Under the preliminary plan, 20-storey residential buildings would be constructed with apartments measuring about 600 to 650 square feet.
Families currently living in the three slums would gradually be relocated into the new apartments and would not be required to pay monthly rent. Residents would, however, remain responsible for electricity, water and other utility bills.
Authorities have begun compiling a list of people currently living in the settlements to determine eligibility and prevent residents from being excluded during redevelopment.
“No one currently living in the slums will be deprived. Everyone will be included,” Alam said.
Karail, located alongside some of Dhaka’s wealthiest neighborhoods, is among the capital’s largest informal settlements and is home largely to low-income workers who provide essential labor and services across the city.
The project, if approved and financed, would mark a significant expansion of Chinese involvement in Bangladesh’s urban development sector. China is already a major infrastructure and development partner for Bangladesh, financing and constructing projects ranging from roads and bridges to power and transport infrastructure.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
