May Day being observed

The historic May Day is being observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe today with a pledge to establish the rights of workers.

May Day, also known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday.

The day is a public holiday.

The government, different trade unions and workers' organisations organised elaborate programmes, including discussions, rallies and processions, to observe the day and press for improving the working conditions with better wages and security for the workers.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the main national programme of the day at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 4pm. At the event, the PM will also hand over assistance money to the family members of 10 workers who died or got injured during work.

Newspapers have published supplements while radio and television channels air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages greeting the working-class people of the country and wishing their overall welfare.

In his message, the president said the working-class people are effectively contributing to the socio-economic development of the country while the government is also persistently working for their welfare.

He expressed the hope that all will play their respective roles in enhancing the living standard of workers and ensuring their justified rights.

In her message, the prime minister hoped that both workers and owners will dedicate them to boosting the production maintaining a good relation among them.

On May 1, 1886, 10 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 of a 12-hour shift. On 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, an international workers' rally in Paris 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.