Bangladesh is observing the historic May Day with due respect as elsewhere in the world.
The day commemorates the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Hay Market, Chicago, in the USA for eight-hour working a day and upholding the rights of the working class.
Several workers sacrificed their lives on May 1, 1886 and the following days, for realising their demands, in bomb attacks and heavy police actions.
Worker groups and trade unions, political parties, different government and socio-cultural and professional organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the historic May Day.
They extended their greetings to all working people of the world, including Bangladesh.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begum Rawshan Ershad also issued a message on the eve of the day.
As in the previous years, the Labour and Employment Ministry has drawn up two-day programmes to observe the Day at the state level.
Starting from Dainik Bangla crossing this morning, a colourful rally paraded different streets and ended in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka city.
In observance of the day, a discussion will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 4 pm.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to attend the discussion as the chief guest. The discussion will be followed by a cultural function.
On May 3, the labour ministry will arrange another discussion at Jatiya Press Club VIP lounge at 10am marking the May Day.
The Islamic Foundation will also observe the May Day.
Under its initiative, a discussion, doa and milad mahfil will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 5.15 pm after Asr prayers.
May Day is a public holiday. All public and private offices, courts, banks, mills and factories have been declared closed.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar and other private sector television channels and radio stations are airing special programmes to mark the day.
National dailies have published special supplements commemorating the day.
On the occasion, Shrama Bhaban, Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, different street islands of the capital have been decorated with banners, festoons and placards.
Different political parties, particularly the labour wings of political parties, labour organisations, professional bodies and cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.
The programmes include colourful rallies, discussions and cultural functions.
