It may be mentioned here that Bangladesh as of now has made much progress towards achieving food self-sufficiency. Bangladesh can produce additional food through use of superior technology and proper utilisation of cultivable land in agriculture sector. In this case instances of different countries including Japan may be perused.

However, at the moment one of the basic problems of the country is housing. Population density here is about 2400 people per square mile. This is more dense in urban areas. This population density is too high in comparison to any country in world. So the problem of housing and settlement is existing as an acute one in the country. Under the circumstances, solution to this problem should be found in proper and coordinated management of lands suitable for settlement in rural and urban areas.

Over the past two decades quite a number of firms operating in the private sector have been playing a significant role in providing solution to the housing problem. Specially in the capital city Dhaka the contribution of private housing firms in resolving the housing problem is undeniable. It may be mentioned here that so far these firms could develop only a very insignificant portion of total land in the country (approximately 0.002 per cent) for urban housing and allot to the public. Till now their programme remains confined mainly in Dhaka and adjoining areas. It has not yet spread to other areas of the country including the district towns.

Majority of the inhabited areas of the country have not yet come under the process of urbanisation. Eighty per cent of the country's population still lives in the countryside. They are completely deprived from planned housing and requisite urban facilities. So it can be said here that there is prospect of urbanisation in the country, and the district towns including their adjacent areas stretching up to parts of expanding villages can be brought under the process. Planned housing and other urban facilities can be built in the said areas. And here also the private housing companies can play the pioneer's role.

However, despite having undeniable contribution towards solving the housing problem and urbanisation, these housing companies often come under severe criticism by some sections in society, sometimes without knowing the facts. These misunderstandings as well as shortcomings should be done away with through transparency and honesty so that those engaged in solving the housing problem with integrity are evaluated as such.

Sadat Sobhan is vice chairman of Basundhara Group.