The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) on Monday urged the government to ensure the safety of housing sector entrepreneurs, expressing deep concern over the current law and order situation and its impact on the investment climate in the real estate sector.
The apex trade body of housing developers made the call at an emergency press conference at its head office, condemning the alleged physical torture, intimidation and forced extraction of signatures on blank stamps and cheques from one of its members in Barishal.
REHAB President Ali Afzal said the incident involving Md Abdul Aziz Howlader, chairman of Bakla Developers Pvt Ltd and managing director of Agrani Housing Ltd, was not merely an attack on an individual entrepreneur but a serious blow to the country's safe and fear-free business environment.
He said REHAB had closely monitored media reports, videos circulating on social media, and the actions taken by law enforcement agencies, adding that the scenes shown in the videos were deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a civilised society.
Afzal acknowledged that law enforcement had arrested several accused after a case was filed over the incident, calling the move commendable.
However, he voiced concern over alleged attempts to secure quick bail for the arrestees and reports of the victim being intimidated and pressured, warning that such actions, if true, would amount to interference with the judicial process.
He called on the administration to ensure comprehensive security for the victim and his family throughout the legal proceedings so they could pursue justice without fear or pressure.
Describing REHAB as the country's largest housing sector organisation, Afzal said the sector's entrepreneurs have invested thousands of crores of taka and generated direct and indirect employment for nearly 5 million people, playing a crucial role in planned urbanisation and economic development.
He noted that engineers, architects, construction workers, contractors, suppliers, banks and financial institutions are all linked to the sector, making its stability vital for the national economy.
Afzal said no culture of extracting demands through intimidation, coercion, extortion, physical torture or violence against any individual or institution could be acceptable in a civilised society.
While business or financial disputes may arise, the country has laws, courts and a judicial system to resolve them, he said, adding that any developer or entrepreneur violating the law must also be dealt with under existing laws, since no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.
On questions of political identity, Afzal said REHAB does not consider whether an individual is affiliated with any political party or organisation, noting that the association looks at the crime, not the person, and that equal application of law for all is the foundation of a state built on the rule of law.
REHAB members said ensuring security for entrepreneurs is essential to keep the country's investment climate safe, warning that any sense of insecurity among entrepreneurs would send a negative message not just for a single company but for the overall investment environment and economy.
At the press conference, REHAB placed a four-point demand before the relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary: ensuring a neutral, swift and transparent investigation into the incident; taking exemplary legal action against all involved if the allegations are proven; ensuring overall security for the victim and his family; and taking effective measures to secure the safety of housing sector entrepreneurs in the future.
REHAB Senior Vice President Abdur Razzaque also responded to journalists' queries after the press conference, saying the association has always stood for the rule of law, justice and a safe business environment, and will continue playing its due role in safeguarding the interests of the country's housing sector.
REHAB expressed hope that the authorities, through a swift and impartial investigation, would bring the real culprits to justice and set an example that prevents such disgraceful incidents from recurring, further strengthening an investment-friendly, safe and fear-free business environment in the country.