Historic May Day today - Thursday

The historic May Day is being observed across Bangladesh today, Thursday, in solidarity with workers around the globe.

Also known as International Workers’ Solidarity Day, May Day commemorates the 1886 labour movement in Chicago, where workers rose in protest demanding an eight-hour workday. The movement reached its peak on 1 May 1886, when 10 workers were killed in police firing during a demonstration near Haymarket Square.

The demand was eventually accepted, leading to the global recognition of the eight-hour workday. On 14 July 1889, a workers' rally in Paris officially declared 1 May as International Workers’ Solidarity Day. Since 1890, the day has been observed worldwide in honour of workers' sacrifices and achievements.

This year’s theme in Bangladesh is: “Workers and owners united; Let’s rebuild this country anew.” The day is a public holiday in the country. Various socio-cultural organisations and political parties have organised programmes to mark the occasion, while newspapers and broadcast media are featuring special supplements and programmes.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message underscoring the importance of strong worker-employer ties in driving the country’s development. He said: “Workers and employers complement each other, and their joint efforts are essential to building a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Bangladesh.”

He added that the country’s advancement in sectors such as garments, agriculture, construction, and technology has been possible due to the dedication and collaboration of both workers and owners.

Professor Yunus expressed hope that the spirit of unity and mutual respect would continue to inspire progress, turning the dream of a renewed Bangladesh into reality.