Today is the first of May—International Workers' Day, commonly known as May Day. This year’s theme is: “Healthy workers, diligent hands; a new dawn will arrive.”

On the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages. The day will be observed through various programs.

The story dates back to 1886. Workers in Chicago, USA, began protests demanding an eight-hour workday. Armed police surrounded them. The movement was peaceful, but suddenly an unidentified man threw a bomb at the police. In response, the police launched a brutal attack on unarmed workers. When they opened fire to suppress the protest, 11 workers were killed, and many others were injured or arrested. Later, six arrested workers were executed after what was widely considered a mock trial. This sparked protests across the world. Eventually, the U.S. government was compelled to accept the workers’ demands.

In 1889, during the centenary of the French Revolution, the first congress of international labor organizations was held in Paris, France. There, Raymond Lavigne proposed observing the anniversary of the Chicago incident internationally from the following year. This proposal was officially adopted at the second congress in 1891.

However, riots occurred on May Day in 1894. Later, in 1904, at the International Socialist Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, a resolution was adopted urging all socialist democratic parties and trade unions to organize rallies and processions worldwide every May 1 to demand an eight-hour workday and promote peace.

Although there was concern about potential casualties, labor organizations around the world decided to observe May 1 as a “mandatory day off.” Many countries demanded it be declared a public holiday, and this was implemented in several nations.

May Day is now observed with due dignity in around 80 countries, including Bangladesh. However, in the United States and Canada, Labor Day is observed in September. The Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor initiated that observance.

After the Haymarket incident, then U.S. President Grover Cleveland believed that May 1 observances could lead to conflict. As a result, in 1887 he supported celebrating Labor Day in September instead—a tradition that continues to this day.

The day carries both sorrow and joy. It commemorates the blood, anger, and sacrifices of workers in the United States, the benefits of which are now enjoyed by workers worldwide—and will continue to be for generations to come.

May Day is a public holiday. Workers and labor organizations across the globe observe it through rallies and processions. It serves as a source of inspiration for labor movements and also promotes harmonious relations between employers and workers. It is a day to end exploitation and deprivation.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin described May Day as “a glorious day” for establishing workers’ rights worldwide. In a message on Thursday, he expressed his delight that both May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day are being observed across the country. He extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to workers in Bangladesh and around the world.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also extended his greetings, stating that workers are the driving force behind national development and progress. Their labor builds the foundation of industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy.

He emphasized that improving workers’ living standards, ensuring fair rights, creating safe working environments, and establishing social dignity are key commitments of the government. Positive change in workers’ lives can be achieved through labor-friendly policies, increased employment, and welfare initiatives.

Various labor organizations have planned detailed programs for the occasion, including worker rallies, processions, discussions, seminars, and cultural events.

National newspapers have published special supplements marking the day. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels are broadcasting special programs and talk shows.

To mark May Day, the BNP will hold a workers’ rally in front of its central office in Nayapaltan in the capital at 2 PM on Friday. Party leaders said that Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will attend as the chief guest.

This announcement was made on Thursday at a press conference held at the BNP central office by Nazrul Islam Khan, a standing committee member and advisor to the Prime Minister. He stated that the rally is being organized to demand workers’ rights.

Labor activists hope that one day all fears and crises will be overcome. People across the country and the world wait for that moment. A new dawn will come again. Raised fists will rise high. The struggle of Labor Day will be fulfilled.

May Day is not just a day of celebration—it is a day of commitment. That commitment is the fight to end the exploitation of working people across the world.

sunnews/ra