Staff Reporter :
The historic May Day was observed in a befitting manner across the country as elsewhere in the world on Friday with a call to ensure the workers rights and uphold their dignity.
Government and different organizations like trade unions, political parties, socio-cultural and professional bodies brought out processions and held rallies to mark the significance of the day.
A large number of working people joined the programmes, stressing the need for upholding the dignity of workers with the spirit of May Day. The theme of the day this year in Bangladesh was ‘Let us forge worker-owner unity and build a Sonar Bangla.’
They also organized seminars, discussions and cultural functions on the occasion, commemorating the supreme sacrifice of workers at the ‘Hay Market’ in Chicago, USA in 1886. The workers demonstrated and sacrificed their lives on that day to establish an eight-hour working time a day.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, felicitated the working people at home and abroad on the eve of the day.
President Abdul Hamid, in his message, said the combined efforts of workers and owners are necessary to build strong economy in the country. With the concerted efforts of all, the nation would be able to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’, he said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said her government reopened the mills and factories which were shut down by the BNP-Jamaat regime. Minimum wages have been announced for the workers of 38 industrial sectors, including readymade garments, she said, adding that National Child Labour Policy, 2010 and National Labour Policy, 2012 were formulated. The Labour and Employment Ministry organized elaborate programme to observe the day at the state level. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Friday.
A colorful rally was brought out from RAJUK Avenue in the morning that ended at the Jatiya Press Club passing through Dainik Bangla intersection and Paltan. State Minister for Labour and Employment Ministry Md Mujibul Haq Chunnu led the rally. Bangabandhu International Conference Center and other buildings, different streets and islands were decorated with banners, festoons and placards to mark the day. Like every year, the day a public holiday.
Garment Sramik Trade Union Kendra brought out a procession from Mukti Bhaban at Purana Paltan in the city. Labour leader Manjurul Ahsan Khan attended the programme as chief guest.
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) jointly organised a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the day.
The historic day was also observed in Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal, Rangpur, Bogra, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Mymensingh, Habiganj, Magura, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Rangamati, Bagerhat, Kurigram, Kushtia, Joypurhat and other districts in a befitting manner.
