C T Online Desk: Bangladesh like elsewhere of the world is observing the historic May Day with a pledge to establish the rights of workers.
Employees of various RMG and other factories have taken to the streets in observance of the day.
Various labour organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes including processions and discussion meetings marking the day.
May Day, also known as International Workers’ Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, the USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday.
The day is a public holiday. All public and private offices, courts, banks and mills and factories are closed.
Trade unions and professional groups have come up with programmes to press for improving the working conditions with better wages for the workers and job security.
This year’s theme of the day is ‘Sramik-Malik Oikyo Gori, Smart Bangladesh Gorey Tuli’ (Let us forge worker-owner unity and build smart Bangladesh).
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, wishing a success of all the programmes taken on the occasion.
In his message, the President said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had fought for the rights of hard-working people throughout his life.
Bangabandhu gave state recognition to May Day after independence and declared May Day a public holiday, he said.
Bangabandhu set up a wage commission to ensure fair rights of the workers and he also announced a new salary structure for the workers, Shahabuddin said.
The President hoped that everyone will take responsibility in their respective fields to improve their living standards and protect their rights.
