Photo: Messenger
The historic May Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe on Wednesday (1 May) with due respect.
May Day, also known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday.
The day is a public holiday.
On May 1, 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 day has been introduced universally.
On July 14, 1889, an international workers' rally in Paris 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.
The government, different trade unions and workers’ organisations will observe the day with elaborate programmes, including discussions, rallies and processions.
This year, due to the ongoing heat wave, the program of the Labor and Employment Ministry will be very short.
The Labour and Employment Ministry have chalked out elaborate programmes in the city marking the day.
It will organise a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 11 am on the occasion.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will present as a chief guest, said state minister for Labor and Employment Ministry, Nazrul Islam Chowdhury while briefing to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
A documentary film of the ministry will be displayed at the programme.
Newspapers will publish supplements while radio and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the working-class people of the country and wishing for their overall welfare.
In his message, the President said “To build a sustainable industrial and trade sector, investment-friendly environment, concentration of workers and cordial relations between workers and owners will have to be ensured. I hope that the stability and productivity of the labour sector will be increased gradually through the positive and progressive participation of the workers and owners. The inherent significance of May Day is closely related to the rights, interests and welfare of the working people. I hope that all will work sincerely in their respective fields to improve their living standard and protect their just rights.”
In her message, the Prime Minister said “I believe, inspired by the ideals of the May Day, the workers and owners will be dedicated to increase national production by maintaining good relations with each other. In the spirit of May Day, we will build a developed and prosperous smart Bangladesh as dreamt by the Father of the Nation through the welfare of the working people and overall development of the country by strengthening the unity of the workers and owners of the country.”
Messenger/Sumon
