May Day Observed
Pledge to protect workers' rights
Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad brings out a procession on the occasion of historic May Day from Jatiya Press Club in the capital yesterday. Photo: STAR
The historic May Day was observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe on May 1 with a renewed pledge to protect the rights of workers. The day is being observed every year since 1986 commemorating the supreme sacrifices of workers at the Haymarket in the United States who were trying to establish an eight-hour working day. The day was a public holiday with many city streets decorated with banners and festoons bearing slogans. President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia gave separate messages greeting the country's working class and wishing them well. The PM inaugurated a programme at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the morning. Different political and labour organisations, particularly the labour wings of political parties, professional bodies and cultural organisations also organised various programmes to celebrate the day. Organising a seminar at the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies emphasised the need for formulating a democratic and time befitting labour law. Imarat Nirman Sramic Union Bangladesh held a rally and cultural programme while National Garments Workers Federation held a rally and brought out a colourful procession. Sramic Karmachari Oikya Parishad, Garment Workers Unity Forum, Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation, National Garment Workers Federation, Jaitiya Ganotantrik League, Bangladesh Nari Mukti Andolon and Nawabpur Dokan Karmachari Union also organised various programmes. Newspapers published special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, BTV and private TV channels aired special programmes highlighting the day's significance.
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