The day was observed as part of the Global Call to Action against Poverty (G-CAP) to strengthen the declared commitment 'Hunger and Poverty- free World by 2015' by the world leaders in Millennium Conference in 2000.

To observe the day, the People's Forum on MDG in association with Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) organised a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city.

Poverty-stricken people including physically disabled persons and representatives from different organisations took part in the rally.

"We are the poorest amongst the poor. The rich nations must fulfill their commitment to cut poverty," said M Rafiqul Islam, a disabled.

Rasheda K Chowdhury, convenor of Peoples Forum on MDG, said the day was observed in 124 countries including Bangladesh with the slogan 'We demand poverty-free world, food and education for all.'

Nilufar Banu, director of Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad, read out a declaration marking the day.

The declaration said the rally was organised to send a demand to the leaders of rich countries so that in the upcoming G-8 conference on July 6-8 in Scotland they can fulfill the commitment of providing 0.7 percent of their national revenue to cut poverty.

Prof Shafi Ahmed of Jahangirnagar University and Executive Director of Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum Khairuzzaman Kamal were present on occasion.

Later, a cultural group from Rajshahi performed the popular 'Gomvira' programme at the rally depicting the significance of the day.