They also called for proper enforcement of environment-related laws in order to check unplanned urbanisation.

At a press conference, activists of five environmental and human rights organisations also urged the government not to be confused by the advertisement and appeal of Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (Rehab) published in different newspapers recently.

Alleging that the land developers are trying to manipulate the regulatory framework for the housing sector, they said the government should not pay heed to their unreasonable demands.

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa), Institute of Architects, Bangladesh (IAB), Bangladesh Environment Lawyers' Association (Bela), Centre for Urban Studies (CUS) and Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) jointly organised the press conference at Dhaka Reporter's Unity auditorium.

About the Rehab's demand for the declaration of private housing companies as the development partners of the government, Architect Iqbal Habib of Bapa said such declaration requires programmes that support the government policies.

"The private housing companies do not have any notable projects for the poor, whereas the government is committed to ensuring housing for all, particularly the lower class, lower middle class and middle class," he said.

Referring to Rehab's appeal for speedy disposal of applications relating to 'conditional use permit' from Rajuk (Rajdhani Unnyan Kartripakkho), Iqbal Habib said this is applicable to only rural development activities.

"Many land developers have already destroyed a large part of flood and sub-flood flow zones illegally, threatening the environment and human rights in the localities, which are meant for rural development," he noted.

According to a study, there are 36 development projects in the flood flow zones and 17 projects in sub-flood flow zones.

Many housing companies place advertisement in newspapers just after applying to Rajuk for a project, but this is totally illegal, Iqbal Habib said, adding that no advertisement should be published before the projects are approved.

Bapa Vice-President Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed said thousands of people are losing hundreds of crores of taka to housing companies, but the culprits go unpunished.

"Many housing companies grabbed the government land and forced the poor people to sell their lands at lower prices," he said.

The developers are working to implement housing projects for only two percent of the people, but they are trying to change laws that are applicable to 98 percent of people, he added. "Such attempt goes against public interest," he added.

Advocate Sultana Kamal, former adviser to the caretaker government and executive director of ASK, said, "We are concerned over the future of Dhaka, which may turn into another Bhabadah, as unplanned urbanisation and violation of environmental laws are resulting in permanent waterlogging."

Iqbal Kabir of Bela said there are about 200 laws relating to environment, but they are not properly implemented.

IAB President Architect Mobashwer Hossain, urban planner Zerina Hossain and CUS Chairman Prof Nazrul Islam also spoke.