To mark the day, different organisations chalked out separate programmes which were participated by politicians, medical professionals, NGOs and UN officials.

A discussion titled 'Stop HIV/Aids, Make the Promise' was held at the LD Bhaban adjacent to Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Bangladesh Parliament Members Support Group on Prevention of HIV/Aids and Human Trafficking (BPMSG) organised the event which was chaired by Md Ashraf Hossain MP, vice-chairperson of BPMSG.

Speakers at the discussion called for more funds to prevent the transmission of deadly virus HIV.

They urged the policy makers to allocate more resources to face one of the biggest health challenges in the present day world.

"The issue of resource allocation for HIV programmes must come from the highest policy making level and parliament members have equal responsibilities to raise their voices on the issue," said the speakers.

Calling for immediate action to check transmission of the virus among the general people they said it is a global threat claiming over 8,000 lives every day.

In fact, five people die of AIDS every minute, they added.

"Regrettably, people living with HIV/Aids (PLWHA) in Bangladesh still face stigma despite efforts to remove this disgraceful attitude. Medical practitioners in most of the hospitals and private clinics refuse to treat patients carrying the HIV virus." said Habiba Akhter, executive director of Ashar Alo.

Habiba pointed out that apart from focusing on the preventive side of the deadly infection it is also necessary to keep in mind that those already infected "require care and support."

Global statistics on care and support for the HIV-infected people show that PLWHA live longer with appropriate care and support, she added.

Other organisations also observed the day through cultural programmes, rallies, processions and meetings at different places in the city.

In 2005, over three million people acquired HIV virus including 198 newly HIV-infected people in Bangladesh.