Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handed over 680 homes to homeless and landless families in Rangamati as an Eid-ul-Azha gift under the Ashrayan-2 project, part of the government’s initiative to provide housing for all.
In a nationwide distribution event conducted via videoconference from Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister provided homes and land ownership documents to 18,566 beneficiaries.
In Rangamati, 40 Machang houses were constructed in Kaptai Upazila—18 in Chitmaram Union and 22 in Raikhali Union. The remaining 640 houses were built across eight other upazilas.
Kaptai Upazila Project Implementation Officer Ruhul Amin confirmed the completion of the houses before the handover. According to the district administration, 40 poor families in Kaptai received the houses and 200 plots.
Machang houses, constructed to align with the local environment and traditions, were built at a cost of Tk2.65 lakh each. Additionally, four semi-finished houses were handed over in Rangamati Sadar Upazila, 422 in Naniarchar, 11 in Bilaichhari, 35 in Barkal Upazila, 126 in Langadu, 25 in Rajasthali, and 13 in Kaukhali Upazila.
Kaptai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mohiuddin announced that the keys and documents would soon be distributed to the beneficiaries. Locals appreciate the eco-friendly design of these houses, which are built on large poles and do not damage the hill slopes. The elevated design facilitates vegetable storage and uses bamboo and mountain ash as construction materials.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan emphasized that Machang houses are vital for preserving local traditions and the environment. They are also cost-effective, avoiding the high transportation costs of construction materials required for concrete houses in remote areas.
