Dhaka: The historic May Day is being observed today in the country and elsewhere across the world in a befitting manner. The theme of the day for this year is ‘Healthy Workers, Productive Hands, A New Dawn Awaits (Sustho Sramik, Karmotho Hat, Ashbe Ebar Nobo Provat).’ The day has been observed globally since 1890, commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Haymarket, Chicago, in the USA for an eight-hour workday and upholding the rights of the working people.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, May Day is celebrated with due dignity in Bangladesh and worldwide as a day to establish the rights of working people. All media outlets are publishing various articles and broadcast programs highlighting the importance of the day. It is a national holiday in about 80 countries, including Bangladesh, and celebrated privately in many more. The international recognition of the day has brought about significant change among the working class globally.
The significance and impact of May Day on the relationship between employers and workers is extensive. The daily working time of workers has been reduced to eight hours, and workers all over the world started receiving acknowledgment of their labor, succeeding in realizing their rights. A new chapter of social change was added to the world’s history. As a result of the revolutionary changes initiated by May Day, social class discrimination gradually started to disappear. Although class discrimination is not completely eradicated, the sacrifice of May Day has largely liberated oppressed working people from subjugation.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to all workers on the occasion of the Great May Day. In his message, the President said observance of the day with due dignity is encouraging, recalling the 1886 Chicago workers’ sacrifice for an eight-hour workday. The President highlighted initiatives taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for workers’ welfare, including labor law reforms, fair wages, social protection, pension systems, and safeguarding trade union rights.
The Prime Minister emphasized improving workers’ living standards, ensuring their fair rights, creating safe working conditions, and upholding their social dignity as the foremost priorities of the present democratic government. “The working people are the main driving force behind the development, prosperity, and progress of any country,” the Premier stated, noting that industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and a strong economy are built through the tireless efforts of workers.