Historic May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day were observed with due dignity in Rajshahi. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 1, 2026 (BSS) - Historic May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day were observed with due dignity in Rajshahi today, as elsewhere across the country, under the theme "Healthy Workers, Industrious Hands - A New Dawn Will Come".

The day's programme began in the morning with the inauguration by Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Administrator Mafuzur Rahman Riton, who formally opened the event by cutting a ribbon at the Divisional Labour Office premises.

A colourful rally was brought out afterwards, parading through the city's main streets before concluding at the National Occupational Health and Safety Research and Training Institute (NOSTRI) in Terokhadia.

The programme was jointly organised by the Rajshahi Divisional Administration, District Administration, Divisional Labour Office, National Occupational Health and Safety Research and Training Institute, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Industrial Relations Institute and Labour Welfare Centre.

A discussion meeting marking the day was later held at the NOSTRI conference room.

Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam chaired the discussion, while Divisional Commissioner Dr A N M Bozlur Rashid, RCC Administrator Mafuzur Rahman Riton, DIG of Rajshahi Range Mohammad Shahjahan and Rajshahi Zila Parishad Administrator Advocate Ershad Ali Esha addressed it, among others.

Superintendent of Police Naimul Hasan, Additional Police Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Maruf Hossain, General Secretary of Rajshahi Road Transport Owners Group Nazrul Islam and Rajshahi District Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Rukunuzzaman Alam also spoke on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Commissioner said workers are yet to receive proper dignity in many sectors, noting that labourers in mills, factories, offices, courts and transport still live below the general standard of living.

The RCC Administrator said workers are the driving force behind development and expressed hope that a prosperous and well-established society can be built through their hard work.

Workers from various professions, officials of government and private organisations, and media personnel attended the event.