May Day Observed Nationwide with Renewed Pledge

People across Bangladesh on Wednesday observed May Day, honouring the tireless contributions of the country’s working class to national development through rallies, seminars, and various programmes.

Declared a public holiday, May Day—also known globally as International Workers’ Day—is being observed worldwide, commemorating the historic struggles of workers for fair wages, decent working conditions, and dignity.

This year’s theme, "Sramik Malik Ek Hoye Gorbo E Desh Natun Kore" (Workers and Owners United: Let’s Rebuild the Country Anew), underlined the importance of unity in nation-building.

Chief Adviser to the interim government, Dr Mohammad Yunus, issued a statement marking the day. “Workers and owners are complementary to each other. I firmly believe that with their joint efforts, a strong, self-reliant and progressive Bangladesh can be built,” he said.

He also acknowledged the invaluable role of workers in key sectors such as readymade garments, agriculture, transport, construction, and technology.

Nationwide, the day was marked by wide participation from workers, civil society groups, political parties, and socio-cultural organisations. Trade unions and political labour wings held processions and rallies demanding fair wages, justice, and better working conditions.

In Dhaka, rallies and processions were organised at Gulistan, the National Press Club, and other city intersections. Organisations such as the Bangladesh Trade Union Sangha, Noujan Sramik Federation, Hotel Restaurant Sweetmeat Workers Federation, and several garment, printing, construction, and transport workers’ associations took part.

Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, the labour wing of BNP, along with Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation, Jatiya Party, and the Communist Party of Bangladesh, also organised events in the capital.

District-level events were also held with enthusiasm and wide participation.

In Rangpur, a colourful rally and discussion were held by the district administration, the Regional Office of the Department of Labour, and DIFE at the Shilpakala Academy.

In Khulna, a rally and discussion meeting were jointly organised by the district administration, Divisional Department of Labour, and DIFE at the District Shilpakala Academy, attended by a large number of workers.

In Rajshahi, a programme was organised at the Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI), with the participation of trade union leaders, political figures, and labour activists.

Mass processions and discussions were also observed in Netrokona, Manikganj, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Narail, Chandpur, and Jhalkathi.

The Bangladesh Islamic Foundation organised a discussion titled “The Dignity of Labour and Workers' Rights in the Eyes of Islam” at its Agargaon headquarters. Maulana Mufazzal Hussain, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Governors, delivered the keynote. A special doa-mahfil was held for the wellbeing of workers.

May Day has been globally observed since 1886, commemorating the sacrifices of workers in Chicago’s Haymarket for the eight-hour working day and the broader rights of the labouring class.