The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (Rehab) board of directors’ election is being held Saturday.
Voting will continue from 10 am to 4 pm at the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital.
A total of 77 candidates are contesting for 29 posts in this election, which is being considered one of the most competitive elections in the history of the organization.
A total of 674 voters are participating in the election. Out of these, 613 voters from Dhaka and 61 from Chittagong will exercise their franchise.
This time, direct voting is being held for the posts of president, six vice-presidents and 19 directors for the first time.
As a result, a festive atmosphere and increased interest have been created throughout the housing sector surrounding the election.
According to those involved in the sector, this election is not only about selecting leadership; it will also play an important role in determining the future direction of Rehab.
If strong and effective leadership is established, the housing sector will become more dynamic and new momentum will be gained in protecting the interests of members.
The main competition in the election has developed around three panels—the ‘Real Estate Businessmen’s Unity Council’, the ‘Progressive Real Estate Businessmen’s Union Council’ and the ‘Jagaran’ panel.
The ‘Real Estate Businessmen’s Unity Council’ panel, led by current president Md Wahiduzzaman, is considered to be in a relatively strong position by those concerned.
This panel, made up of experienced and well-known businessmen, has promised to improve the business environment, increase policy support and protect the interests of its members. If elected, they have also announced that they will prioritize the construction of the Rehab building.
Glorious Lands and Developments chairman Md Ali Afzal is contesting for the post of president from the ‘Progressive Real Estate Businessmen’ panel.
The participation of four members who won the last election in this panel is believed to have added a new dimension to the electoral equation.
On the other hand, the ‘Jagaran’ panel is led by former Rehab president Mukarram Hossain Khan.
This panel, which participated in the election with a partial panel, is also trying to survive in the competition by making various promises to the voters.
In the history of Rehab, elections were once regular and competitive.
However, after the president was elected without a vote in 2014, the committee was formed on the basis of a long-term compromise.
After almost a decade, in 2024, leadership elections returned through direct voting. The Oikya Parishad panel won that election.
This year's vote is being held in continuation of the initiative to organize new elections before the current board's term ends. It is worth noting that the vote was initially scheduled for February 17; it is being held on Saturday due to the national parliament election.
