Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The historic May Day is being observed on Sunday in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the globe with a renewed pledge to establish the rights of the working people.
The theme of the day this year is 'Let us forge worker-owner unity and build a Sonar Bangla'.
Several trade unions, professional bodies, worker groups, political parties, socio-cultural organizations, different government and non-government organizations have taken elaborate programmes to mark the day.
The programmes are being observed to press for improving the labour working condition with better and competitive wages and job security.
The day is a public holiday.
The day is observed across the world every year 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 working class.
Working people sacrificed their lives on May 1, 1886 and the following days, for realizing their demands, in bomb attacks and heavy police actions.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the historic May Day.
They extended their greetings to all working people of the world including Bangladesh.
Leader of the opposition Begum Rawshan Ershad and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad also issued messages on the occasion of the day. Besides, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also greeted all working people on the day.
Like in the previous years, the Labour and Employment Ministry has drawn up an elaborate programme to observe the Day at the state level.
A colourful rally was brought out from in front of Shrama Bhaban at RAJUK Avenue in the morning and it ended in front of the National Press Club on Topkhana Road after parading Dainik Bangla and Paltan intersections.
All public and private offices, mills and factories remain closed.
Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and other private television channels and radio centers are telecasting special programmes on the day.
National dailies published special supplements highlighting the significance of May Day.
Different political parties, particularly the labour wings of political parties, labour organisations, professional bodies and cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.
The programmes include colourful rallies, discussions and cultural functions.
BBN/SSR/AD