Khulna, Oct 07 (V7N)- World Habitat Day was observed today (Monday) in Khulna with the theme of 'Involve the youth, build a better city'.  On the occasion of the day, a discussion meeting and prize distribution was held in the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium in the morning.  Divisional Commissioner and Khulna City Corporation Administrator Md. Helal Mahmud Sharif was the chief guest on the occasion.
The chief guest said in his speech that since the beginning of human civilization, safe settlement has been a basic need.  The nature of the place, the environment and the natural course of water flow should be taken into consideration while planning the city.  At the same time, the needs and problems of the citizens should also be kept in mind.  Each area has distinct characteristics of settlement construction.  Climatic variations necessitate variations in construction materials and design of structures.  In this case, there should be a comprehensive and research-based plan.
Professor of URP discipline of Khulna University Dr.  Md. Ahsanul Kabir said that by 2050, 54 percent of the people of Bangladesh will live in cities.  In that case, the pressure on city-based services will increase.  As a result of this urbanization, problems such as environmental pollution, increase in the number of slums, inequality and insecurity can increase.  Hence there is no alternative to enacting inclusive urban planning.  Again, there is a need to ensure adequate accommodation and employment for the backward communities.  Enacting development plans that reduce space for public transport in urban areas and only increase opportunities for private transport is inconsistent with civil equality.

Under the chairmanship of Khulna Development Authority (KDA) Chairman Brigadier General SM Mirazul Islam, additional chief engineer of Public Works Department Khulna Zone Md. Michbah Uddin, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam, IAB Khulna Center Convener Gauri Shankar Roy, Khulna Engineering and Technology Division spoke as special guests. The head professor of the school's civil engineering department. Abu Zakir Morshed and Bangladesh Institute of Planners Khulna Chapter Chairman Abir-ul-Jabbar. Khulna Development Authority and Public Works Department, National Housing Authority and Khulna Office of Urban Development Department jointly organized this event.
Prizes were distributed among the winners of various competitions organized on the occasion of the day.
Earlier, the colorful procession left the premises of Khulna Shibbari KDA, inspected various roads and ended at the District Art Academy. People from different classes and professions participated in the procession.