Rajshahi: The historic May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2025 were observed here today like other parts of the country with a fresh vow to uphold the rights of working people and maintain harmony between labourers and owners. Leaders of different political parties, trade union bodies, labour and socio-cultural organisations observed the day with various programmes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the day’s programmes included hoisting of the national flag, rallies, discussions, and cultural functions. The theme for this year was “Sramik Malik Ek hoye, gorbo E desh natun kore.” The Divisional Office of the Labour Directorate, along with the offices of the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, jointly organized a discussion at the National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI) in the city.
Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Khandaker Azim Ahmed addressed the discussion as the chief guest, while senior officials participated in the discussion with Deputy Commissioner Afiya Akhter presiding. The speakers emphasized that the working class is the main driving force of the national economy, and their financial and social conditions must be improved for the country’s development. They also highlighted the need for broader unity among the working class to establish their legitimate rights.
Commissioner Azim Ahmed stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of labourers at their workplaces and reducing child labour so that children can grow up as healthy citizens of the country. On the day, local trade unions of bus, truck, minibus, tempo, and mishuk operators organized separate processions in the city, followed by discussions and milad mahfils at their offices.
The leaders and members of the Imarat Nirman Shramik Association of Bangladesh (INSAB) also held a procession. The local unit of the Jatiya Sramik Federation organized a rally and discussion to highlight the importance of the day. Various political parties, including the BNP, conducted colourful rallies, discussions, and cultural functions to mark the occasion.
Institutions such as Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, Bangladesh Silk Development Board, and Rajshahi Education Board observed the day through separate programmes.