The highlight of the celebration was this handing over as it was the 500th house donated to yet another poverty stricken family by the HFHB.

Moved by HFHB's actions, a thankful Das struggled with words to express his sentiments.

"I had no proper place to live in before Habitat stretched out its helping hand," Das managed to blurt out, his eyes swelling with tears.

Rickshaw puller of Jhikorgacha, Jessore, Das lived in a mud house with his wife and four children; spending days in apprehension as the cracks in the walls kept widening while the house was on the verge of collapse during heavy monsoons.

Thanks to the aid given by HFHB, who provided him loans for low cost housing and sanitation, Das and his family now live in a durable brick house.

Hundreds of other families who were in a similar position as Das have too been provided with low-cost and affordable homes by HFHB.

HFHB initiated its operations six years ago, dedicating its work to apprehend the extent of the housing needs in this country and resolve an appropriate organisational response.

The organisation assists poverty-stricken people to build their homes by providing them with loans for low-cost housing. It assigns Global Village Volunteers to help homeowners build their homes. These volunteers comprise of both students and professionals from different countries who invest their time and labour to construct Habitat houses.

Speakers at the ceremony said that the construction of 500 low cost and affordable decent houses in such a short period is HFHB's significant achievement.

"This is undoubtedly a major milestone in HFHB's progress, reaching a figure of 500 houses in just six years", said Gene V. George, UNAID's mission director and chief guest.

The organisation envisages building 56,000 affordable housing opportunities for an estimated 70,000 people by the end of 2010; which was appreciated by George.

"Providing housing for 70,000 deserving people would be a tremendous accomplishment," he said.

Kyle Scott, regional manager, HFHB in South Asia, said that everyone has a right to shelter, especially against natural calamities.

"A decent shelter is the right of every human being. We have seen pictures of the devastation of cyclones and floods, and how the poor are made homeless," he said. He also stressed on working together with home owners for the cause.

"Habitat's priority is to build affordable houses and we would like to work with home owners to help people and raise funds for the cause," he added.

Other guests at the occasion were Andrew L. Fawthrop, president and managing director, Cheveron Bangladesh and Peter Halder, chairman, Habitat Bangladesh, who both congratulated HFHB for its dedication and commitment to its cause over the years.

Every first Monday of October is celebrated as World Habitat Day; an annual event sponsored by UN all over the world. The theme for this year's UN Habitat Day was "Cities, magnets of hope".

However, having considered its accomplishments over the years, Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh had chosen a different theme "Celebrating the 500th, Reaching Thousands..." as it reached its 500th mark in handing over a house to to Bijoy Das's family.