Vow to establish workers' rights
Historic May Day was observed on Sunday in the country as elsewhere in the world with a vow to institutionalise socio-economic rights of workers.
Apart from the government, different trade and labour unions, human rights organisations, professional bodies, socio-cultural bodies and political parties observed the day in a befitting manner.
Rallies, seminars, discussions and cultural programmes were held in the capital and elsewhere in the country as part of the celebrations.
May Day, also known as International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the uprising of working people in Chicago, USA, at the height of a prolonged fight for eight-hour workday.
In 1884, the Federation of Organised Trade and Labour Unions passed a resolution stating that eight hours would constitute a legal day's work from and after May 1, 1886. This was achieved at the cost of blood spilled at a vigorous movement in Chicago.
It was a public holiday and a good number of city-dwellers thronged parks and amusement spots in the capital.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels aired special programmes while national dailies brought out special supplements.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted people through seperate messages.
The president, in his message, said the working people contribute the most in building a strong national economy. "I welcome all initiatives to honour the working people by observing May Day,” Zillur said.
The prime minister, in her message, paid high tribute to workers who sacrificed their lives to uphold rights of their fellows and expressed solidarity with workers all over the world.
The premier attended a discussion on the day at Bangabandhu
International Conference Centre in the afternoon inaugurated an exhibition there.
Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia addressed a public rally in Gazipur on the occasion.
Bangladesh Federal Union of Newspaper Press Workers held a discussion at Jatiya Press Club in the city marking the day.
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