International Workers’ Day, widely known as May Day, observed across Bangladesh in line with global commemorations, as workers from various sectors come together to demand improved working conditions, fair wages and stronger rights.

The day focused on several key issues, including the introduction of a national minimum wage, protection of trade union rights, and the promotion of workplace safety.

This year’s theme in Bangladesh, ‘Sramik-Malik Eak Hoea Gorbo Desh Nutan Kora’ (Being united, workers and owners will build the country anew), emphasised unity between workers and employers in driving national progress.

Throughout the day, various labour organisations held rallies, processions, and discussions, highlighting their demands, including a national minimum wage of Tk 30,000 and better safety measures at workplaces.

The day was declared a public holiday, giving workers a chance to voice their concerns.

The observance of May Day stems from the 1886 uprising at Haymarket in Chicago, where workers protested for an eight-hour workday, resulting in the deaths of several workers in police clashes.

The event remains a symbolic moment for workers’ rights globally.

In Bangladesh, several key figures, including chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, praised the contributions of workers and employers in the country’s progress.

Yunus said that the combined efforts of workers and employers have driven advancements across sectors such as garments, agriculture, industry, transport, and technology.

As part of the day’s observance, labour ministry organised various programmes, while political parties and trade unions also held events to support workers’ rights.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s labour wing, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, organised a rally at the party’s Naya Paltan headquarters, which saw a large turnout of supporters.

Other political groups, such as the Jatiya Party and the Communist Party of Bangladesh, also held rallies at their respective offices in Dhaka.

Various trade unions held rallies at significant locations, including Gulistan and the National Press Club in the capital.

Bangladesh Trade Union Sangha, Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation, Bangladesh Hotel Restaurant Sweetmeat Workers Federation, Bangladesh OSK Garments and Textile Workers Federation and Bangladesh Sawmill Workers Federation, held a joint rally in front of National Press Club in the capital.

Dhaka Metropolitan CNG Drivers Unity Council, Dhaka Garment Manufacturers Workers Association, Dhaka District Printing Workers Union, and Dhaka District Vegetable Exporters Workers Union also participated in the day’s events.

Bangladesh Trade Union Centre organised a rally in front of Meherba Plaza at 10:00 am, while the Imarat Nirman Sramik Union held a rally at their central office on Topkhana Road at the same time.

Later, at 11:00 am, the Socialist Labour Front gathered in front of the National Press Club to further advocate for workers’ rights.

Industriall Bangladesh Council organised a May Day procession starting from Shram Bhaban in the capital, making its way to the National Press Club.

Industriall Global Union general secretary Atle Hoye was present at the event, showing international solidarity with the workers in Bangladesh.

May Day, observed on May 1, commemorates the historic global struggle for workers’ rights, especially the fight for an eight-hour working day, which began with 19th-century labour movements in the United States.

The campaign for an eight-hour workday gained momentum in the 1860s and culminated in a series of coordinated strikes and rallies across the United States on May 1, 1886.

Under the leadership of trade unions, workers defied widespread opposition and organised mass demonstrations demanding fairer working hours.

The movement turned violent in Chicago, marking a pivotal chapter in labour history.

On May 3, 1886, a rally at the McCormick factory in Chicago was attacked by hired enforcers and police forces, resulting in the deaths of six workers and injuries to many more.

In response, thousands gathered at Haymarket Square the following day to protest the killings. During the demonstration, police opened fire on the crowd, killing seven and wounding several others.

The sacrifice of those involved in the Haymarket Affair played a crucial role in establishing the principle of the eight-hour working day—dividing time equally between work, rest, and personal life.

Over time, this demand gained global recognition and became a cornerstone of labour rights advocacy.

May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, has since become a day of remembrance and mobilisation for workers across the world.