World Habitat Day has been observed on 5th October, 2015. At a meeting of UN General Assembly, held on 17 December, 1985, it was decided to observe the day every year on the 1st Monday of the month of October. As a result, World Habitat Day is being celebrated from 1986. World Habitat Day intends to ensure livable environment and accommodation for all. At the same time its goal is to ensure basic needs for everyone and to encourage government for the same. The day is observed with a separate theme every year. In 2015 the theme was `Public Space for all’. Importance was given to public spaces in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And it is mentioned that, by 2030 universally accessible green public space should be ensured for all.

To celebrate World Habitat Day, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA), Dhabnmondi Kachikantha School and Dhaka Ideal Cadet School and jointly organized a program with various game events (Ludo, Chess, Breaking Clay Pots, Thread-niddle, Drawing, Biscuit Run, Marble Run, Eating Bananas, and Musical Chair) and cultural program on 05 October 2015 at Rayerbazar Boishakhi Playground.

The public spaces available in Bangladesh, at present time, are not accessible for all. There is absence of necessary infrastructure for women, children, elderly person and person with disability. It is important to make them accessible for all. Cities lack enough public space, which results to negative impact on physical and mental health. Risks of obesity, stroke, cancer, diabetes are increasing because of less physical activity. 

Enough public and open green space can make cities more livable and will help in the development process of a country. So it is necessary to increase facilities of existing public spaces and laws and policies should be abided by for future maintenance.

Debra Efroymson, Regional Director, Health Bridge; Gaous Pearee, Director, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust; Naznin Kabir, Deputy Program Manager; Abdul Mannan Monir, Principle, Dhaka Ideal Cadet School and students of Dhabnmondi Kachikantha School and Dhaka Ideal Cadet School were present in the program. More than 200 participants attended the event.