Bangladesh observes historic May Day with call for workers-owners unity

Bangladesh is observing the historic May Day along with the rest of the world on Sunday with the pledge to strive for workers’ rights.

On May 1, 1886, ten workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in the US city of Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead 12 hours.

 At the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers' demand and the eight-hour day has been introduced universally.

 On July 14, 1889 in Paris, an international workers' rally declared May 1 as the International Workers Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers' sacrifice and achievement and since 1890, the day has been observed globally as the International Workers Solidarity Day.

In Bangladesh, the day is a public holiday. All offices, banks, industries and factories remain closed.

President Md Abdul Hamid in a message called for establishing good worker-owner relations, ensuring fair wages and safe and congenial workplace.

He emphasised enhancing skills of workers and observed that there is no alternative to manufacturing world-class products in the competitive world.

In her message, Prime Minister Hasina paid respect to the people who sacrificed their lives to establish fundamental rights of the working people in Chicago in 1886.

Hasina also pointed out that her government ‘updated’ the Bangladesh Labour Law, 2006 and formulated Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Law, 2013 for the welfare of the working people.

 The labour and employment ministry organises a rally in the capital to commemorate the day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to join a discussion organised by the ministry in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, BNP chief Khaleda Zia will address a rally by her party’s labour affiliate at the Suhrawardy Udyan.