Bangladesh PM launches new Housing Project

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is launching a new housing project to provide homes for all of the country’s homeless.

Hasina made the announcement at the inauguration of the Ashrayan-2 Project on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

The ceremony was virtual due to Coronavirus restrictions, and the PM made an appearance from her official residence, The Gana Bhaban

The Ashrayan-2 housing project is part of the government’s pledge to provide houses to all on Mujib Borsho.

Mujib Borsho marks the centennial birthday of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The South Asian nation of around 165 million people will be marking Mujib Borsho until Friday, March 26, 2021.

Bangladesh is also celebrating the golden jubilee of its independence.

Hasina stated: “No one will remain shelterless in the Mujib Borsho and the golden jubilee year of Bangladesh’s independence.

“Our resources may be limited, but I’ll provide at least one address to every person in the country.”

Hasina believes that by housing everyone in Bangladesh through the new project, her late mother, father and those who have sacrificed their lives for the country will be at peace.

She added: “Millions of martyrs who had made supreme sacrifice for the country will get peace.

“The only aim of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was to change the fate of the people of the country.”

The Prime Minister went on to say that the new housing project, which will distribute homes to around 70,000 homeless families, is a proud moment for the country.

Hasina also believes the new housing project will give people hope for the future.

“This is the biggest festival ever for the country, as we’re giving homes to the homeless people.”

Who will benefit from Bangladesh’s new housing project?

Around 885,000 homeless families across Bangladesh will benefit from the Ashrayan-2 project.

Houses within the project are already ready for more than 66,000 families, at a total cost of around Tk 11.5 billion (£99 million).

According to officials, a further 100,000 houses will be allocated in February 2021.

The Prime Minister said: “I’m very happy that we’ve been able to give addresses to the people, especially in the winter season.”

Under the new housing project, each home has two rooms, one kitchen, one toilet and a veranda.

The construction of each house comes at a cost of Tk 175,000 (£1,500).