Dhaka: The government has advanced with two significant housing initiatives aimed at rehabilitating families affected during the 2024 Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement. The Planning Commission recommended these projects for approval, which was subsequently granted by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in its meeting today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works proposed a project to construct 1,560 residential flats for families of the "July warriors" who lost their ability to work during the 2024 movement. This initiative, to be executed by the National Housing Authority (NHA) on land adjacent to Mirpur DOHS, is estimated to cost Tk 1,344.4142 crore, fully funded by the government. The project is scheduled to run from July 2025 to June 2029, consisting of 15 residential buildings, each with 14 storeys including a basement. Each floor will house eight flats of 1,250 sq ft. Parking facilities are planned for the basements and ground floors.
The project's operations will include land development, construction of buildings, boundary walls and gates, installation of various systems including lifts, substations, generators, solar and fire hydrant systems, as well as provisions for intercom and CCTV systems. The PEC meeting on July 7, 2025, evaluated and recommended the project for ECNEC approval, affirming it as a tribute to those permanently disabled by providing them with safe and modern housing.
Another scheme proposed by the Ministry involves the construction of the '36 July' residential complex on 5.08 acres of NHA-owned land in Mirpur Section-14, Dhaka North City Corporation. This project, aimed at providing permanent housing for families of the martyred students, carries an estimated cost of Taka 761.1607 crore, also fully funded by the government. Scheduled for implementation between January 2026 and December 2029, the project includes six 14-storey buildings and twelve 10-storey buildings, offering a total of 804 flats, each 1,355 sq ft in size. The buildings will feature basement and ground floor parking and are designed to be earthquake-resistant.
The proposal was reviewed by ECNEC on July 27, 2025, with directives for further scrutiny and alignment with the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. Following revisions, a second Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting was held on October 19, 2025. The initiative is expected to assist grieving families in achieving a stable and dignified life by providing secure and modern accommodation.
Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud commented that the projects have separate implementation timelines based on the nature of support required by the affected families. He noted that the construction of the 1,560 residential flats in Mirpur Section-9 will commence in July 2025, continuing until June 2029, while the '36 July' residential complex in Mirpur Section-14 will run from January 2026 to December 2029.
Dr. Mahmud emphasized that supporting families of those permanently disabled is straightforward, with eligibility easily verified. However, providing state-supported permanent housing to families of those killed involves sensitive legal considerations, particularly regarding inheritance rights. The government plans to adhere to an established policy framework to ensure fairness and legal consistency in flat allocation.
The Planning Commission highlighted the crucial role these projects will play in rehabilitating affected families, emphasizing that dignified housing reflects national gratitude for their sacrifices and helps families regain stability and security.