DHAKA, May 1, 2018 (BSS) – The historic May Day was observed today in the country in a befitting manner with a renewed pledge to build an exploitation-free society by establishing the rights of toiling masses and working class people.
The day is observed across the globe since 1886 commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Hay Market, Chicago, in the USA for eight-hour working day and upholding the rights of the working class.
Working people sacrificed their lives on May 1, 1886 and the following days, for realising their demands, in bomb attacks and heavy police actions.
Several trade unions, professional bodies, worker groups, political parties, socio-cultural organizations, different government and non-government organizations observed the day through various programmes.
The programmes included processions, rallies, discussions and cultural functions.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the day. They extended their greetings to all working people of the world including Bangladesh.
Like the previous years, the Labour and Employment Ministry has drawn up a two-day programme to observe the day at the state level.
As part of the programme, a colorful procession was brought out from Dainik Bangla crossing in the morning and it ended at Jatiya Press Club on Topkhana Road after parading different city thoroughfares.
Besides, a discussion was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the afternoon.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed it as the chief guest.
Labour and Employment Ministry organized the function with State Minister Mujibul Haque Chunnu in the chair. The discussion was followed by a cultural function.
The ministry will also arrange another discussion at Jatiya Press Club VIP lounge at 10 am on May 3 marking the May Day.
The May Day is also known as International Labour Day and the International Worker’s Day which is celebrated at international level to promote and encourage the international labour associations.
The day was a public holiday in the country. All public and private offices, educational institutions, courts, banks and mills and factories remained closed.
Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and other private television channels and radio stations aired special programmes on the occasion.
National dailies published special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.
On the occasion, Srama Bhaban, Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, different street islands of the capital were decorated with banners, festoons and placards.
May Day is also observed in divisional cities, districts towns and upazila levels with due respect.