The leaders of the organisations said they are making significant contribution to the national economy but they are deprived of home, one of the basic rights of the people.

To mark the day, a display of construction methods and construction materials was organised by the Housing and Public Works Directorate in the city.

Inaugurating the display, Housing and Public Works Minister Mirza Abbas said the government has taken up a programme to build low-cost houses for the lower-income people.

He also underscored the need for preserving surface and rain water for safe drinking water reducing pressure on the underground water.

Earlier in the morning, the minister led a colourful rally that started from the Shishu Park.

Bangladesh Hawkers Sangram Parishad at a press conference yesterday urged the government to formulate a national policy to establish the basic rights of the poor people.

They also placed an eight-point demand that includes accommodation for the hawkers and urban poor, and rehabilitation of the slum dwellers before their eviction from the slums.

Bangladesh Slum Dwellers Union formed a human chain at Muktangon demanding alternative shelter for them.

They also threatened that if the government evicts any slum dwellers further without alternative accommodation, they will establish slums on the city streets.

Later, they brought out a procession.