M M Jasim :
The historic May Day will be observed today (Tuesday) with due respect across the country as elsewhere in the globe.
Trade unions and readymade garment workers, professional bodies, socio-cultural organisations and political parties have chalked out different programmes, including rallies, processions, seminars and cultural programmes, to observe the day in the city as well as in the country.
On May 1 in 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in the US city of Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. On the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers’ demand and the eight-hour working day was introduced universally.
On July 14 in 1889 in Paris, an international workers’ rally declared May 1 as the International Workers Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers’ sacrifice and achievement, and since 1890, the day has been observed globally as the International Workers Solidarity Day.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the historic May Day.
They extended their greetings to all working people of the world, including Bangladesh.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begum Rawshan Ershad also issued message on the eve of the day.
Like the previous years, the Labour and Employment Ministry has drawn up two-day programmes to observe the May Day at the state level.
A colourful rally will be brought out from Dainik Bangla crossing at 7:00 am and it will end in front of the National Press Club on Topkhana Road after parading different city streets.
In observance of the day, a discussion will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 4:00 pm today. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to attend the discussion as the chief guest. The discussion will be followed by a cultural function.
On May 3, the ministry will arrange another discussion at the Jatiya Press Club VIP lounge at 10:00am marking the day.
Under the initiative of Islamic Foundation, a discussion, doa and milad mahfil will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 5.15 pm after Asr prayers today marking the day.
May Day is a public holiday. All public and private offices, courts, banks, mills and factories will remain closed.
Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and other private sector television channels and radio stations will air special programmes to mark the day. National dailies will publish special supplements commemorating the day.
On the occasion, Shrama Bhaban, Bangabandhu International Conference Centre and different street islands of the capital will be decorated with banners, festoons and placards.
