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DHAKA, May 1, 2026 (BSS) - The historic May Day was observed today across the country and elsewhere in the world in a befitting manner with a vow to ensuring labor rights.

The day is also being observed as National Occupational Health and Safety Day in the country.

The countrywide programme marking the day included colorful processions, discussions, seminars, symposiums, assistance distribution among the needy people under both government and non-government initiatives.

Marking the May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, President Mohammed Shahabuddin urged to ensure fair rights, dignity and safe work environment for workers.

"Workers are contributing significantly to all sectors, including industry, agriculture, transport and construction, while remittances and the ready-made garment (RMG) sector continue to bolster the national economy," he said.

Recalling the historic struggle for an eight-hour workday in Chicago, the President paid homage to the workers who laid down their lives for labour rights.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined a workers' rally, marking the day, in front of the BNP central office in Naya Paltan as the chief guest in the afternoon.

"We know that reopening the closed factories alone won't ensure employment for all workers. Along with these workers, there are many more unemployed people in the country," the Prime Minister said, adding, thus, employment opportunities must be created for them both at home and abroad.

"Therefore, we have begun discussions with foreign and local investors. We are encouraging them to invest and establish factories in the country," he said.

The prime minister also emphasized on reopening the factories that were shut down in previous years to ensure employment for unemployed workers.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, addressing the program at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center with president as the chief guest, said the welfare of working people and the vision of a prosperous Bangladesh were central to the state philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

On the eve of the day, the president and the prime minister yesterday issued messages extending heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all working people at home and abroad.

The day was observed with great enthusiasm and due respect in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, Jamalpur, Magura, Narail, Manikganj and in other divisional cities, district towns and Upazila levels across the country.

At a workers' rally in the capital, Taslima Akhtar, acting president of the Bangladesh Trade Union Federation and president of the Bangladesh Garment Workers' Solidarity, said the government must guarantee a dignified wage for eight hours of work, not on paper but in reality.

The day has been observed across the globe since 1886 commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Hay Market of Chicago in the USA for eight-hour working day and upholding the rights of the working people.

To press home their demands, working people had to sacrifice their valuable lives in tragic bomb attacks and police atrocities on May 1 of 1886 and the following days.