Historic May Day to be observed Tuesday

The historic May Day will be observed on Tuesday with due respect in Bangladesh like elsewhere in the world. The day is observed across the globe since 1886 commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Hay Market, Chicago, in the US for eight-hour working day and upholding the rights of the 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. Worker groups and trade unions, political parties, different government and socio-cultural and professional organizations have chalked out elaborate programs to observe the day. President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages issued on the occasion extended their greetings to all working people of the world including Bangladesh. Leader of the Opposition in parliament Raushan Ershad also issued a message on the eve of the day. Like the previous years, the Labour and Employment Ministry has drawn up a two-day program to observe the day at the state level. A colourful rally will be brought out from Dainik Bangla crossing at 7am Tuesday and it will end in front of the National Press Club after parading different city streets. In observance of the day, a discussion will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 4pm. The prime minister is expected to attend the discussion as the chief guest. The discussion will be followed by a cultural function. On May 3, the ministry will arrange another discussion at the Press Club’s VIP lounge at 10am marking the May Day. Under the initiative of Islamic Foundation, a discussion, special prayers and milad mahfil will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 5:15pm after Asr prayers on Tuesday marking the day. May Day is a public holiday. All public and private offices, courts, banks, mills and factories will remain closed. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private sector television channels and radio stations will air special programs to mark the day, while national dailies will publish special supplements. On the occasion, Shrama Bhaban, Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, and different road islands and dividers of the capital will be decorated with banners, festoons and placards. Different political parties, particularly their labour wings, labour organizations, professional bodies and socio-cultural organizations have also chalked out elaborate programs to observe the day. The programs include colourful rallies, discussions and cultural functions.