The Crime Desk: Production is not possible without labor; it is not possible to establish a democratic society without the dignity of labor; it is not possible to establish a productive, humane society without the safety of the worker’s life. As society develops, capital develops from the production of labor and talent. But when people deviated from agriculture to industry, the capitalists began to grow rapidly from small to large, and the people who were converted from peasants to laborers were in a more difficult situation as a true proletariat. May Day has shown the way out of this situation.
Today is the Great May Day. The day for the realization of the rights of the working people of the world On this day in 1886, Hay Market workers in Chicago, USA, sacrificed their lives to demand an eight-hour work day. The rights of the working class were established through their self-sacrifice that day.
Despite the recognition of workers’ rights in the movement, workers still have to agitate for fair wages. Workers are still deprived and oppressed in the country. Since then, this day of sacrifice by workers for the rights of working people has been celebrated as ‘May Day’ all over the world. The theme of this year’s May Day is ‘Worker-Owner Unity: Build Smart Bangladesh’.
In 1972, under the initiative and strong leadership of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh became a member of the International Labor Organization and ratified 29 conventions, including the six core conventions of the ILO. This is a rare event and a unique recognition for improving the quality of life of working people and protecting their rights.
The day is a public holiday. On the occasion of the great May Day, President Md. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages.
President Md. Sahabuddin said, “This great May Day is a day manifested in the spirit of struggle for all the working people of the world. The role of working people worldwide is very important for socio-economic development. The present industry- and labor-friendly government is continuously working for the overall welfare of the workers and increasing their skills. There is no alternative to ensuring comprehensive rights, including an improved working environment, good labor-employer relations, professional safety, and the well-being of workers, in building a developed and smart Bangladesh by 2041.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it is a historic day of glorious sacrifice to establish the rights of the working and hardworking people of the world. He expressed the hope that, inspired by the ideals of the Great May Day, the workers and employers will be dedicated to increasing national production by maintaining good relations with each other. We will build the developed and prosperous golden Bangladesh of the dream of the father of the nation through the welfare of the working people and the overall development of the country.
Various labor organizations have taken part in detailed programs on the occasion of May Day. Programs include workers’ rallies, processions, discussions, seminars, and cultural events. National newspapers will publish special circulars on the occasion of the grand May Day celebration. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels will broadcast special programs on the occasion.
