The historic May Day was observed today in the country and elsewhere across the world in a befitting manner.
The day is being observed across the globe since 1886 commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Hay Market, 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, 1886 and the following days.
This year’s theme of the day is ‘Sramik-Malik Oikyo Gori, Smart Bangladesh Gorey Tuli’ (Let us forge worker-owner unity and build a Smart Bangladesh).
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the historic May Day.
Various organizations arranged different programme to mark the day.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment arranged a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).
Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury addressed the discussion as the chief guest.
State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian presided over it while Labour and Employment Secretary Md Ehsan-e-Elahi delivered the welcome address.
Different departments and offices under the ministry also observed the day through brief programme.
Jatiya Sramik League organized a workers’ rally in front of the central office of Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue here this afternoon.
Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader addressed it as the chief guest with Jatiya Sramik League President valiant freedom fighter Noor Kutub Alam Mannan in the chair.
AL Presidium Member Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organizing Secretary Advocate Afjal Hossain, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Dhaka City South AL President Abu Ahmed Mannafi and its General Secretary Humayun Kabir and Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil addressed it, among others.
Ganatantri Party also organized the discussion at its central office at Purana Paltan here.
Ganatantri Party General Secretary Dr Shahadat Hossain addressed it with its Dhaka City unit President MA Gani in the chair.
Marking the May Day, Jatiya Sramik Party arranged a discussion at Jatiya Party Chairman’s Banani office auditorium.
Jatiya Party Chairman and Deputy Leader of the Opposition GM Quader addressed it.
Islami Sramik Andolon Bangladesh’s Dhaka city unit arranged a rally in front of North Gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 10 am.
Islami Sramik Andolon Bangladesh Senior Nayebe Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Faijul Karim addressed the rally. A procession was also brought out on the occasion.
Besides, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Mukti Council, Jatiya Sramik Jote, Bangladesh Labour Congress, National Domestic Workers Centre, Biplabi Sramik Sanghati, Prabashi Sramik Kalyan Parishad, Sammilita Sramik Parishad, Bangladesh Trade Union Federation and Sramajibi Parishad and other organizations arranged discussions, cultural functions and rallies. Human chains were also formed.
National newspapers published special supplements marking the day.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels broadcast special programmes and talk shows on the occasion.
