Historic May Day observed in Khulna. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, MAY 1, 2025 (BSS) - With the theme "Sramik Malik Ek Hoye, Gorbo Desh Notun Kore" the historic May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day was observed today in Khulna with due respect and solemnity.

To mark the occasion, a discussion meeting, jointly organized by district administration, Divisional Department of Labour and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments was held at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium this morning.

The event focused on recognizing the sacrifices of workers and underscoring the importance of a safe and equitable working environment.

Speaking as the chief guest, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Firoz Sarkar stated that the global recognition of workers' rights and the dignity of labour was achieved through the sacrifice of workers during the historic Haymarket incident in Chicago on May 1, 1886, where they fought for an eight-hour workday, fair wages and respect for labour."

"May Day is a significant milestone in the struggle for workers' rights. Workers are the backbone of economic growth and industrial productivity. Ensuring their rights and dignity is a shared responsibility," he said.

He stressed the need for timely payment of wages and called for mutual cooperation between employers and workers to maintain workplace harmony and prevent untoward incidents.

The discussion meeting was presided over by Khulna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam, with a welcome speech delivered by Md. Hafez Ahmad Majumder, director of the Department of Labour.

Additional DIG of Khulna Range Md. Belayet Hossain and Additional Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police Md. Abu Raihan Muhammad Saleh, addressed the event as special guests.

Bedsides, S. Humayun Kabir, director of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association, spoke on behalf of employers, while Mohammad Mujibur Rahman, general secretary of the CBA of West Zone Power Company Ltd and Mohammad Golam Rasul Khan, president of the Private Jute, Yarn and Textile Mills Workers' Federation, represented the workers.

Earlier, a vibrant rally began at Khulna Railway Station and marched through key streets before concluding at the District Shilpakala Academy to mark the day.

Government and private sector officials, workers, employers, employees, trade union leaders, and people from various walks of life participated at the rally.

Meanwhile, various socio-cultural and political organizations including the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also observed the day with processions, rallies and discussions.