DE News Desk :
People across Bangladesh observed International Workers’ Day today with rallies, discussions, and cultural events, paying tribute to the tireless contributions of the working class to the nation’s development.
Observed as a public holiday, May Day is marked globally in recognition of the historic struggle by workers in Chicago’s Hay Market in 1886 for an eight-hour workday—a cause that has since evolved into a global movement for labor rights.
This year’s national theme, “Sramik Malik Ek Hoye Gorbo E Desh Natun Kore” (Workers and Owners United; Let’s Rebuild this Country Anew), focused on the spirit of unity between employers and workers in shaping a prosperous Bangladesh.
Chief Adviser to the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, issued a statement on the occasion, highlighting the vital role of laborers across sectors—ranging from garments and agriculture to transport, construction, and technology.
“Workers and owners are complementary to each other,” Dr. Yunus said.
“I firmly believe that through collective efforts, we can build a stronger, self-reliant, and progressive Bangladesh.”
Nationwide, political parties, trade unions, and various socio-cultural organizations organized rallies and events to demand fair wages, safer workplaces, and the dignity of labor.
In Dhaka, major intersections like Gulistan and the National Press Club were hubs of activity.
Trade union organizations including Bangladesh Trade Union Sangha, Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation, and Dhaka Metropolitan CNG Drivers Unity Council held processions and addressed large gatherings.
The BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Communist Party of Bangladesh, and Jatiya Party also held rallies in solidarity with workers’ rights.
In Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi, and other districts, local administrations and labor departments arranged rallies and discussions.
These events witnessed robust participation from workers, civil society members, and local leaders.In Khulna, a mass rally was followed by a discussion at the District Shilpakala Academy, jointly organized by the Department of Labour and DIFE.
In Rajshahi, a similar program was held at the Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI), attended by political, labor, and community leaders.
In addition to the rallies, Bangladesh Islamic Foundation hosted a seminar titled “The Dignity of Labour and Workers’ Rights in the Eyes of Islam” at its Agargaon office, where scholars highlighted the religious importance of respecting workers.
The day was also observed in Netrokona, Manikganj, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Narail, Chandpur, and Jhalakathi, reflecting the nationwide spirit of the occasion.
Since its inception, May Day has symbolized the global fight for workers’ rights, reminding nations of the continued need to ensure justice, equality, and respect for the labor force that powers their economies.