International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is being observed across Bangladesh on Thursday, alongside worldwide observances, with workers uniting to demand better working conditions and rights.Â
The day focused on several key issues, including the introduction of a national minimum wage, the protection of trade union rights and the promotion of workplace safety.
This year’s theme in Bangladesh, ‘Sramik-Malik Eak Hoea Gorbo Desh Nutan Kora’, emphasised unity between workers and employers in driving national progress.
Throughout the day, various labour organisations held rallies, processions and discussions, highlighting their demands, including a national minimum wage of Tk 30,000 and better safety measures at workplaces.
The day was declared a public holiday, giving workers a chance to voice their concerns.
The observance of May Day stems from the 1886 uprising at Haymarket in Chicago, where workers protested for an eight-hour workday, resulting in the deaths of several workers in clashes with the police.
The event remains a symbolic moment for workers’ rights globally.
In Bangladesh, several key figures, including chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, praised the contributions of workers and employers in the country’s progress.
Yunus said that the combined efforts of workers and employers have driven advancements across sectors such as garments, agriculture, industry, transport, and technology.
As part of the day’s observance, labour ministry organised various programmes, while political parties and trade unions also held events to support workers’ rights.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s labour wing, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, organised a rally at the party’s Naya Paltan headquarters, which saw a large turnout of supporters.
Other political groups, such as the Jatiya Party and the Communist Party of Bangladesh, also held rallies at their respective offices in Dhaka.
Various trade unions held rallies at significant locations, including Gulistan and the National Press Club in the capital.
Bangladesh Trade Union Sangha, Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation, Bangladesh Hotel Restaurant Sweetmeat Workers Federation, Bangladesh OSK Garments and Textile Workers Federation and Bangladesh Sawmill Workers Federation, held a joint rally at Gulistan in the capital.
Dhaka Metropolitan CNG Drivers Unity Council, Dhaka Garment Manufacturers Workers Association, Dhaka District Printing Workers Union, and Dhaka District Vegetable Exporters Workers Union also participated in the day’s events.
The Bangladesh Trade Union Centre organised a rally in front of Meherba Plaza at 10:00 am, while the Imarat Nirman Sramik Union held a rally at their central office on Topkhana Road at the same time.
Later, at 11:00 am, the Socialist Labour Front gathered in front of the National Press Club to further advocate for workers’ rights.
Industrial Bangladesh Council organised a May Day procession starting from Shram Bhaban in the capital, making its way to the National Press Club.
Industrial Global Union general secretary Atle Hoye was present at the event, showing international solidarity with the workers in Bangladesh.
