Dhaka: The historic May Day will be observed in Bangladesh on Friday, in line with global commemorations of International Workers’ Solidarity Day. May Day marks the historic uprising of workers in Chicago, USA, advocating for an eight-hour workday in the late nineteenth century.
According to United News of Bangladesh, this year’s theme is ‘Shushtho Shramik, Kormoth Haat; Asbey Ebar Nabo Probhat’. The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh, with newspapers publishing supplements and radio and television channels airing special programs to highlight its significance. Various socio-cultural organizations and political parties have planned programs to observe the day.
On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in Chicago near Hay Market, where workers demanded an eight-hour working day instead of the prevailing 12-hour shifts. The authorities eventually accepted the workers’ demand, leading to the universal adoption of the eight-hour workday. An international workers’ rally in Paris on July 14, 1889, declared May 1 as International Workers’ Solidarity Day, recognizing the Chicago workers’ sacrifices and achievements. Since 1890, the day has been globally observed.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages on the occasion. President Shahabuddin highlighted the groundbreaking steps taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to establish workers’ rights and welfare. The current government continues this legacy with programs and policies aimed at improving workers’ welfare. These include labor law reforms, fair wages, social security for informal sector workers, a self-financed pension system, trade union rights, reopening closed industries, providing food at fair prices, and ensuring job security.
President Shahabuddin expressed hope that these programs would improve workers’ lives, emphasizing their immense contribution to national development. He stressed the importance of ensuring workers’ rights, a safe working environment, and social security to achieve a prosperous Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that working people are the backbone of any country’s development, prosperity, and progress, with industries, agriculture, infrastructure, and a strong economy built on their hard work. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ living standards, ensuring fair rights, creating a safe working environment, and establishing social dignity. The Prime Minister wished for the overall success of all programs undertaken for May Day.