May Day to be observed Friday

The historic May Day, also known as International Workers’ Solidarity Day, will be observed in Bangladesh on Friday, in line with the rest of the world.

The day commemorates the sacrifice of workers during the 1886 Chicago movement demanding an eight-hour workday. This year’s theme is “Shushtho Shramik, Kormoth Haat; Asbey Ebar Nabo Probhat".

The day is a public holiday. Newspapers will publish special supplements, while radio and television channels will air programmes highlighting its significance. Various socio-cultural organisations and political parties have taken different programmes to mark the occasion.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages marking the day.

In his message, the president said workers are the driving force of national development and stressed the need to ensure their rights, safe working conditions and social security.

He highlighted various initiatives taken by the government, including labour law reforms, fair wages, social protection for informal workers and the introduction of a pension system.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said workers are the backbone of the country’s progress, contributing significantly to industry, agriculture and infrastructure.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving workers’ living standards, ensuring their rights and maintaining a safe working environment.