People across Bangladesh on Thursday observed May Day with different kinds of arrangements showing respect and honouring the spirit of the labouring people who are contributing to the nation鈥檚 progress tirelessly.
The day, declared a public holiday, was observed across the globe as International Workers Day.
From the top officials of the government to the root level labouring people came together in rallies, discussions, and seminars, renewing calls to uphold the dignity and fair wages of the working people.
The theme of the day this year is 鈥楽ramik Malik Ek Hoye Gorbo E Desh Natun Kore鈥�.
Marking the day, the chief adviser to the interim government Dr Mohammad Yunus delivered a message highlighting the contribution of the working-class people to build the nation.
鈥榃orkers and owners are complementary to each other. I firmly believe that- with the collective efforts of owners and workers, a strong, self-reliant and progressive Bangladesh would be built,鈥� he said in the message.
The chief adviser recalled the contribution of workers to the development of all sectors, including RMG, agriculture, transportation, construction and technology sectors.
Besides, the day was observed countrywide with mass participation of workers, common people, political parties and socio-cultural organizations.
Trade unions and trade wings of different political parties rallied across key city points, demanding justice, fair wages, and improved working conditions.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party鈥檚 labour wing Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation, Jatiya Party and the Communist Party of Bangladesh held rallies in the capital.
Trade union organisations held rallies at Gulistan, in front of the National Press Club and other intersections of the capital.
Bangladesh Trade Union Sangha, Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation, Bangladesh Hotel Restaurant Sweetmeat Workers Federation, Bangladesh OSK Garments and Textile Workers Federation, Bangladesh Sawmill Workers Federation, Dhaka Metropolitan CNG Drivers Unity Council, Dhaka Garment Manufacturers Workers Association, Dhaka District Printing Workers Union, and Dhaka District Vegetable Exporters Workers Union, Bangladesh Trade Union Centre and Imarat Nirman Sramik Union brought out processions and held rallies at the capital.
The day was also observed at district level in a befitting manner.
In Rangpur, the district administration, the Regional Office of the Department of Labour and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments jointly organised a colourful rally with the participation of working people.
After the rally, a discussion session was arranged at the District Shilpokola Academy Auditorium.
In Khulna, a discussion meeting was jointly organized by the district administration, the Divisional Department of Labour and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments was held at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium. A colourful rally was also brought out with huge participation of working-class people.
In Rajshahi, the Divisional office of the Labour Directorate, the offices of the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments jointly organized a discussion at the Health Training and Research Institute. Leaders from different political parties, trade union bodies, labour and socio-cultural organisations joined the rally.
Local trade unions of transport organizations brought out a huge procession in Khulna on the day. The procession was followed by a discussion and a milad-mahfil at their offices.聽
The day was also observed with due manner in Netrokona, Mankganj, Rangamati, Khagrachori, Panchagarh, Thakurgao, Narail, Chandpur, and Jhalkathi districts.
Marking the day, Bangladesh Islamic Foundation organized a 鈥榙iscussion on 鈥楾he Dignity of Labour and Workers鈥� Rights in the Eyes of Islam鈥� at the auditorium of its Agargaon main office here. After the discussion, a doa-mahfil was arranged seeking the welfare of the workers.
May Day is being observed across the globe since 1886, showing respect to the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Hay Market, Chicago, in the USA for an eight-hour working day and upholding the rights of the working people.