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Sunday | October 04, 2026 | Dhaka

World Habitat Day to be observed in Sylhet

 S A Shofiee, Sylhet
 Published: 12:01 AM, 04 October 2026

Preparations are underway to observe World Habitat Day 2026 in Sylhet over two days, starting on October 5, through a series of programmes.

For the first time, the Sylhet Development Authority (SDA) has taken the initiative to bring together all stakeholders involved in housing and urbanization in Sylhet on a single platform to mark the occasion.

SDA Chairman Rezaul Hasan Koyes Ludi outlined details of the two-day programme at a press conference held at the SDA office on Saturday (October 3).

He said that, in accordance with a United Nations decision, World Habitat Day has been observed globally on the first Monday of October every year since 1986. Following this tradition, the day will be observed nationwide on Monday, October 5, under the initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

Although the day was previously observed in Sylhet under the initiative of the Public Works Department, this is the first time the Sylhet Development Authority is organizing a large-scale, two-day celebration in coordination with the divisional administration, district administration and various relevant departments.

This year’s theme is “Universal Housing, Sustainable Urbanization.” Keeping the theme in mind, various programmes will be held at the Mohammad Ali Gymnasium, adjacent to Rikabibazar Stadium.

Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Member of Parliament for the Sylhet-1 constituency and Minister of Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute, is scheduled to attend the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest.

The programme will commence with a colourful rally at 10:30am on October 5, followed by a discussion meeting on the theme at 11:00am. The electronic construction approval system will be inaugurated at 1:00pm.

An ideas competition on housing and urbanization, featuring student participation, will begin at 11:30am and continue throughout the day. There will also be stalls by various organizations, along with exhibitions showcasing urbanization and housing models and photographs.

On October 6 at 10:00am, tree-planting programmes aimed at environmental protection will be held at Ambarkhana Girls’ School and College and Blue Bird School and College. A special seminar on sustainable urbanization and housing will be held at 11:00am.

The final evaluation of the ideas and photography competitions is scheduled for 12:30pm, followed by the prize-giving ceremony and closing event at 4:30pm. The two-day event will conclude at 5:00pm with a cultural programme.

The SDA chairman said the authority is working to transform Sylhet into a modern, well-planned and eco-friendly tourist city. Marking World Habitat Day, all stakeholders involved in the housing sector have been brought together on a single platform for the first time.

In addition to various government departments, the Civil Engineering and Architecture departments of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Leading University, the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, the Institute of Architects Bangladesh, the Institute of Diploma Engineers, the Sylhet Apartment and Real Estate Group, and the Association of Engineering and Architectural Consultancy Firms are involved in the celebration.