Housing quotas for ministers, MPs, and judges scrapped

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has abolished the controversial quota system that granted privileged access to government housing for ministers, MPs, judges, civil servants, lawyers, journalists, and other professionals. 

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ministry announced sweeping reforms under the interim government to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in public housing allocations. 

Key changes include elimination of all reserved quotas in housing schemes run by RAJUK and the National Housing Authority (NHA), a ban on multiple plot or flat allotments to members of the same family, and cancellation of 12 luxury flats in Dhanmondi allocated through irregular means.

A High Court-appointed three-member committee is now investigating alleged irregularities in RAJUK’s housing allocations between 2009 and 2024. Separately, a special audit uncovered 282 cases of corruption and procedural violations at the NHA over the same period. As a result, 11 officials have been dismissed, and 25 individuals linked to the Rupur Green City project are facing legal proceedings. 

To honor the July Mass Uprising, the government has allocated 17.47 acres of land in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar for the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum. A central memorial in Shahbagh and eight district-level memorials have been completed, with construction underway in 55 additional districts. 

Major housing projects for marginalized groups are also moving forward a proposal for 2,380 flats in Mirpur for families of martyrs and injured fighters is pending ECNEC approval and construction of 836 affordable flats in Azimpur for low-income government employees has already begun.

Five development projects deemed against public interest have been scrapped, saving approximately Tk 426 crore in public funds. 

These reforms mark a decisive shift from elite privilege to public service. By dismantling corrupt practices and prioritizing equity, the ministry is redefining the housing sector as one that serves the people—especially those long excluded from its benefits.

HKJ