Dhaka: Prime Minister's Political and Agriculture Adviser and BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan has called for unity among working people to secure their rights, emphasizing that International Workers' Day symbolizes their struggles, unity, and the establishment of just demands. 'Working people are the productive class. Everything that is created and developed in society is the result of their labour. Therefore, they deserve respect, not sympathy,' he declared while speaking as the chief guest at a preparatory meeting held this evening at the BNP central office in anticipation of International Workers' Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nazrul announced that a central rally will be held on May 1 at 2:30 PM in Paltan, organized by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal. The Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will attend the rally as the chief guest, with LGRD and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir joining as a special guest.
Nazrul elaborated that May Day has been observed worldwide for over a hundred years as a symbol of workers' rights, and preparations have been made to observe the day in Bangladesh with due dignity. He mentioned that party leaders and activists from Dhaka metropolitan area, as well as nearby cities and districts, will participate in the rally.
Furthermore, various units of Sramik Dal will observe the day at the metropolitan, district, upazila, and municipality levels through meetings, rallies, and processions in their respective areas, according to the BNP's senior leader. He noted that although BNP is a government elected by the people's vote, more initiatives are needed to ensure workers' fair rights.
Nazrul expressed hope that the promises made in the party's election manifesto for working people would be implemented quickly. He added that issues such as workers' wages, workplace environment and safety, and the protection of livelihoods remain important demands.
He remarked that several government initiatives have already been implemented, including loan waivers of up to TK 10,000 with interest for agricultural workers and marginal farmers. While acknowledging that amendments to labor laws have been positive for workers, he emphasized that further reforms are needed, and discussions with the government will continue.
Nazrul urged the media to play an important role in highlighting the problems, expectations, and realities of working people. He called upon working people to unite to make May Day more meaningful and sought cooperation from all concerned to ensure the success of the rally.
Prime Minister's Political and Industries Adviser and BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed and Chief Coordinator of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP, were also present as special guests, with Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain presiding over the event.