DHAKA: The housing sector incurred a loss of Tk 1,656 crore due to the ongoing hartal-blockade for 46 days enforced by BNP-led 20-party alliance.

REHAB President Alamgir Shamsul Alamin made the disclosure at a press conference at a city hotel on Thursday.

The organization also demanded loan rescheduling for developer companies for two years, including waiver of interest.

The housing businessmen demanded introduction of the re-financing scheme for single-digit loan for the lower and middle-income segment of people. 

Bangladesh Land Developer Association Secretary General Mostafa Kamal Mohiuddin, Bangladesh Cement Manufacturing Association vice-president M Alamgir Kabir and Bangladesh Paint Manufacture Association vice-president engineer Abdur Rahman were among others present at the function.

Reading out a written speech, the REHAB President said investment of around Tk 25,000 crore of other traders linked with the housing sector is also at stake. 

He said businessmen of the real estate and over 200 industries linked with the housing sector will loss their capital if the prevailing political unrest continues.

He also called upon the political parties to shun violence and bring back peace in the country. 

The real estate businessmen also urged rival parties to solve the crisis through dialogue. 

BDST: 1844 HRS, FEB 19, 2015