United News of Bangladesh

While the world observes International Workers’ Day with speeches, processions, and pledges of solidarity, millions of workers across Bangladesh mark the day not with rest, but amid relentless struggle in pursuit of their daily bread. May Day, internationally recognised as International Workers’ Day, is observed on 1st May each year to honor the struggles and achievements of workers. In Bangladesh, it is a national holiday marked by political speeches, symbolic rallies, and public events. However, the majority of labourers, especially those in low-income and informal sectors, receive little to no tangible benefits or recognition on this day. From the early hours of the morning, rickshaw pullers, day labourers, garment workers, street vendors, and construction workers flooded the streets and job sites — not for celebration, but for survival. Despite May Day’s symbolic importance as a day of rest and rights for labourers, many in the informal sector say they simply cannot afford to stop working. “I know it's Labour Day, but if I don’t drive my rickshaw today, my family won't eat,” said Shafiq, a rickshaw puller in Dhaka’s Mirpur area. “No holiday for the poor.” In industrial zones like Ashulia and Narayanganj, several small garment factories remained in operation. Workers claimed they were asked to report at work or risk losing pay — or worse, their jobs. Labour rights organisations say such practices reflect a persistent gap between labour laws and their enforcement. Despite significant progress in the labour sector, including wage reforms and increased unionisation, informal workers — who make up over 85% of the total labour force in Bangladesh — remain excluded from many basic protections and benefits. “May Day should remind us of the dignity of work and the rights of workers,” said Shirin Akhter, a labour rights activist. “But for many in Bangladesh, it remains just another day of toil under economic pressure.” End police misuse at state level, ensure political neutrality: Eminent Citizens As rallies and official programmes took place in urban centres, these silent labourers  highlighted the stark divide between the ideals of May Day and the realities on the ground. As Bangladesh joins the global observance of International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, the stark contrast between celebration and survival remains apparent across the nation. While official ceremonies honour the contributions of the working class, the daily grind continues for millions who have no choice but to labour even on this symbolic day. From rickshaw pullers in Dhaka to tea garden workers in Sylhet, day labourers, construction hands, and domestic workers resumed their routines as usual, underscoring a harsh reality — for them, a holiday is a luxury they cannot afford. “I’ve heard of May Day, but hunger doesn’t take holidays,” said Rahima Begum, a domestic worker in the capital’s Mohammadpur area. “If I don’t go to work, I don’t get paid. It’s that simple.” More work than words Bangladesh’s labour force is estimated at over 70 million, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), with approximately 85.1% employed in the informal sector. These workers typically lack formal contracts, social security, health benefits, or union representation — making them vulnerable to exploitation and economic instability.

China is celebrating International Workers' Day, popularly known as May Day, with nationwide celebrations, cultural events, and a major surge in domestic travel. The five-day public holiday, starting from May 1, saw millions of citizens travelling to scenic spots, historical sites, and urban centres across the country. Marking this day, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended his greetings to workers, farmers, intellectuals and other working people from all ethnic groups, as well as to trade unions and their staff at all levels. Xi also expressed earnest expectations for the Chinese working class and the broad masses of workers as they forge ahead on a new journey and contribute to the new era. Dream of New Bangladesh not possible without better conditions for workers: Prof Yunus In this new era, Chinese workers, through their spirit of hard work, struggle, innovation and breakthrough, have not only laid a solid foundation for China's development and advancement, but also contributed Chinese wisdom and strength to the world. Meanwhile, China's railway network is expected to handle approximately 144 million passenger trips during the May Day holiday travel rush, the national railway operator said. Tourist hotspots like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xi’an witnessed high foot traffic, with hotels and restaurants operating at full capacity. In Beijing, workers and families gathered at Tiananmen Square for a flag-raising ceremony and cultural performances honouring the spirit of labour. Local governments organised parades, exhibitions, and award ceremonies to recognise outstanding contributions by workers in various sectors.

The historic May Day will be observed in Bangladesh on Thursday as elsewhere across the world . May Day, also known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday in the late nineteenth century. The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh. This year, the theme of the day in Bangladesh is “Workers and owners united; Lets rebuild this country anew." Newspapers will publish supplements while radio and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Different socio-cultural organizations, political parties chalked out various programmes to observe the day. On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in the US city of Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. On the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers' demand and the eight-hour day has been introduced universally. On July 14, 1889, an international workers' rally in Paris declared May 1 as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers' sacrifice and achievement and since 1890, the day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day. Munshiganj’s traditional sweet ‘Patkheer’ gets GI recognition The day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day since 1890. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus issued a message ahead of the day. The Chief Adviser said the significance of May Day in advancing the country's economy through strong worker-employer relations is immense. This year’s theme—“Workers and owners united; Lets rebuild this country anew”—is especially meaningful for our nation’s sustainable development, he said. “Workers and employers complement one another and I firmly believe that their joint efforts can build a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. Behind the progress of every sector in our country—whether it’s the garment industry, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transport, or technology—lies the dedication, intelligence, and hard work of both workers and employers, said the Chief Adviser adding,  “To rebuild the nation, we must strengthen the environment of unity, mutual respect, and trust. If we continue the spirit of unity and cooperation, then the dream of a new Bangladesh—after the uprising led people including students and workers in July-August—will no longer remain just a dream, but will become a reality.” “I believe that the partnership between workers and employers will further accelerate the progress of the country,” he said.

On May 1st, communities worldwide honour International Workers’ Day, a profound tribute to the labour force that powers economies and shapes societies. Known commonly as May Day, this occasion serves as a solemn remembrance of the arduous battles fought by workers for their fundamental rights and acknowledges their ongoing contributions to civilisation. The Origins of International Workers' Day The roots of International Workers' Day trace back to April 21, 1856, when Australian stonemasons staged a strike in pursuit of an eight-hour workday. This act of defiance sparked a series of movements that would reshape labour rights globally. The defining moment came on May 1, 1886, with a general strike in Chicago demanding the same eight-hour workday. This escalated into the infamous Haymarket affair, a violent confrontation resulting in the deaths of several police officers and civilians after a bomb detonated during the protest. The aftermath saw severe repercussions for labour leaders and a broadened awareness of workers' rights issues, marking a pivotal moment in labour history. Read more: On eve of May Day, Fakhrul shines light on cheap labour's pitfalls. Global Recognition and Solidarity In 1889, the Second International, comprising socialist and labour parties from 20 countries, declared May 1st a day of solidarity with the Haymarket affair. From 1890 onward, May Day has been commemorated worldwide. Why Celebrate May Day? Historians regard the quest for an eight-hour workday as one of the most significant labour movements in Western history, symbolising a unified worker identity that transcended national borders. May Day has evolved to not only reflect on workers' struggles but also to emphasise the spirit of internationalism, showing solidarity among workers globally. Lessons from May Day Despite the progress achieved since the first May Day, the original goals of the movement remain partially unmet. While the eight-hour workday is widely adopted, workers worldwide still face numerous challenges requiring persistent advocacy for enhanced labour rights and broader social justice, including gender equality, racial justice, and environmental sustainability. Read more: Experts call for including workers’ security-related provisions into labour laws Rosa Luxemburg, a Marxist theorist, poignantly described May Day as an annual renewal of workers' demands against oppression, foreseeing a time when these demands would be fulfilled, leading to a celebration of past sacrifices and victories. The Current State of Labour Rights Around the world, including in Bangladesh, labour rights continue to spark intense debates, with ongoing wage disputes and inadequate working conditions. As we observe May Day, it serves as a compelling reminder of the ongoing need to advocate for and protect the rights of those who are the backbone of our economies. Final Thoughts International Workers' Day is not just a historical commemoration but a call to action. It encourages us to reflect on the progress made and the journeys still ahead in achieving fair and equitable labour practices globally. As May Day unfolds, let us renew our commitment to advancing the well-being and rights of all workers, honouring their indelible mark on our world. Read more: Severe heatwave in Khulna: Day labourers forced to work in dangerous conditions

The historic May Day will be observed in Bangladesh on Monday as elsewhere across the world with due respect. May Day, also known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday in the late nineteenth century. The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh. This year, the theme of the day in Bangladesh is "Sramik-Malik oikkya gori smart Bangladesh gore tuli,'' (roughly translated reads: 'Build workers-employers unity, build smart Bangladesh’). Newspapers will publish supplements while radio and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Different organizations, political parties chalked out various programmes to observe the day. On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in the US city of Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. On the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers' demand and the eight-hour day has been introduced universally. On July 14, 1889, an international workers' rally in Paris declared May 1 as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers' sacrifice and achievement and since 1890, the day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day. The day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day since 1890. President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages ahead of the day. Read more: May Day to be observed Sunday The President said the progress of the country's industries and trade needs an investment-friendly environment, workers’ concentration and workers-employers relations. Through positive participation of workers and employers, stability and productivity in the labour sector will increase, he said. “I hope that all concerned will play they respective role to improve their standard of living and protect their just rights,” he said. The Prime Minister in her message said, “I believe that inspired by the ideals of the great May Day, workers and employers will be dedicated to increase national production by maintaining good relations with each other. We will build a developed and prosperous ‘Sonar Bangladesh’ as dreamt by the Father of the Nation by working for the welfare of working people and the country's overall development.”  

May Day  was observed in Bangladesh on Sunday as elsewhere across the world with due respect. This year, the theme for this historic day in Bangladesh was "Sramik-Malik Ekota, Unnoyoner Nischoyota'' (roughly translated reads: Workers-owners unity, assurance of development).May Day, also known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in the US city of Chicago at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday in the late nineteenth century.Officials of the Ministry of  Labour and Employment and leaders of different labour unions placed wreaths at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait led by State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian in observance of the day. Also read: May Day: Solidarity & empathy in times of CovidMonnujan Sufian said, “Bangabandhu was vocal for ensuring the rights of working people and fought for their  rights throughout his life. In May ,1972 he recognized May Day as the National Solidarity Day.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged the workers to be vocal on the streets as they are being deprived of their justified rights. “The government, which usurped power illegally, has snatched the rights of all people, including the working class. You now can’t hold a rally and form unions if you wish. The workers are being deprived of their justified rights” he said. Speaking at a rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he called upon the workers to strengthen their organisations and organise all the working-class people to get rid of the current situation in the country. Also read: Families of enforced disappearance victims in serious strife: BNP “Workers have always brought changes in the country. The workers led all our glorious movements in the past. So, you have to organise people and raise voice on the streets to restore your lost rights and defeat the fascist regime," the BNP leader said. Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal brought out the rally, marking the May Day. Narrating how the country’s people are going through immense sufferings due to the misrule of the government, Fakhrul called upon the workers to put in their best efforts to force Awami League to quit by handing over power to a non-party neutral administration. “We have to move forward in unison and we must succeed.” He said the workers are struggling to make ends meet because of the skyrocketing prices of all essential items, including rice and oil. “But the government is least bothered about it. "They can't provide the workers with rice, pulses and oil at a fair price.” The BNP leader said the workers cannot receive free treatment while their children are being deprived of education. “The working-class people of this country are being deprived of everything. The government talks about big mega projects and mega development, but they have done nothing for the workers. ”He said the government has filed ‘false’ cases against 35 lakh BNP leaders and activists, including many workers. “Our over 600 leaders and activists were made disappeared while more than 1,000 others were killed. “This situation cannot be allowed to continue." Also read: Unilateral announcement of SCBA results a “terrible injustice’: FakhrulFakhrul alleged that the ruling party leaders are making their second homes in different countries by 'looting' money from different mega projects.He said the Awami League government has got isolated as people completely rejected them. “It (govt) has no relation with the working class. It has snatched all rights of people. This government has become completely dependent on others as it is turning the country into a failed state.”

May Day is being observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere across the world on Sunday. May Day, also known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in the US city of Chicago at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday in the late nineteenth century. The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh. This year, the theme for this historic day in Bangladesh is 'Sramik-Malik Ekota, Unnoyoner Nischoyota'' (roughly translated reads: Workers-owners unity, assurance of development). Also Read: May Day to be celebrated Saturday President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages ahead of the day. President Hamid called upon all stakeholders to work together to ensure the welfare of the country’s workers. “In order to survive in today's competitive world, workers and employers along with the government will need to be more dedicated to maintaining a good relationship to boost production," the President said. The Prime Minister in her message said, “Our government has taken all possible measures to tackle the Covid situation, including distribution of relief among the working people to stand beside them.” Also Read: Historic May Day being observed She urged all to build a happy, rich and Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu by working for the welfare of the working people and the country. Newspapers published supplements while radio and television channels are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Different organisations, political parties have chalked out dedicated programmes to observe the day. On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. At the height of agitation, authorities had to accept the workers' demand and the eight-hour day was introduced universally. On July 14, 1889, an international workers' rally in Paris declared May 1 as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers' sacrifice and achievement and since 1890, the day has been observed globally.    

The Bidi workers on Saturday (May 01, 2021) urged the government to take necessary measures to save the industry’s workers for ensuring the livelihood of millions of workers and their family members. They made the call at a rally in front of Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka. The bidi is a smoked product made of unprocessed tobacco wrapped in leaves unique to South Asia. Bidi Sramik Federation president M K Bangali said thousands of bidi workers staged a rally in the city alongside Kushtia, Pabna, Bogura Tangail, Barisal, Patuakhali, marking the international May Day. Read Covid-19: Hasina for balancing livelihoods and public health “We broke out processions with various placards and posters of our demands. We are going through a miserable time as factories are being closed day by day,” he also said. Executive Member of the organization Anwar Hossain said they have to be united to press home their demand by taking the lesson of bloodshed history of the Labor Day. The historic May Day was observed today as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic which has rendered millions of workers jobless in recent months. “The COVID-19 hit our income hard, so the government should pay attention to us,” he also said. Read May Day: Workers trapped between hunger and fear Some 10 workers were killed in Chicago on May 1 in 1886 when police opened fire on a demonstration demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. The authorities were eventually forced to accept the workers’ demand which resulted in an eight-hour working day universally. On July 14, 1889, an international workers' rally in Paris declared May 1 as the International Workers' Solidarity Day in recognition of the workers' sacrifice in Chicago. Read PROGGA, ATMA for imposing specific taxes on tobacco products

The historic May Day is being observed on Saturday as the world battles the Covid-19 pandemic which has rendered millions of workers jobless across the world in recent months. In normal times, the day is a public holiday in Bangladesh and marked with a slew of events. But there are no outdoor events this year, like 2020, as the country battles the second wave of the virus. Also Read: May Day to be celebrated Saturday May Day, also called the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of the working class in Chicago for an eight-hour workday. This year, the theme for this historic day in Bangladesh is 'Sramik-Malik Nirbisesh, Mujib Borshe-Gorbo Desh' (workers and employers will join hands to build the country in the Mujib Year). President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages ahead of the day. President Hamid called upon the owners of mills and factories to assist the government in standing by the vulnerable workers bearing the brunt of the pandemic. He paid gratitude to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for struggling throughout his life for the underprivileged people. "Bangladesh received ILO membership soon after independence in 1972 under the bold leadership of the Father of the Nation and ratified 29 conventions, including six core conventions of ILO,” he added. Prime Minister Hasina also remembered the role of Bangabandhu in establishing the rights of the exploited and working class people. "Bangabandhu formulated labour policy 1972 in order to establish an exploitation free and equal society. He nationalised the mills and factories to strengthen the economy while ensuring the rights of the workers," she said. The PM said her government is working relentlessly to establish the rights of workers. "Our government has established 100 special economic zones, which will generate employment for more than one crore people," she said. "We allocated Tk 8,600 crore for workers’ wage to combat the pandemic.” The Prime Minister said the government has allocated Tk 50 crore to Labour Directorate to implement the social safety programme for the unemployed and distressed workers. Ten workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in Chicago demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift on May 1, 1886. The authorities were eventually forced to accept the workers' demand, which resulted in an eight-hour day universally. On July 14, 1889, an international workers' rally in Paris declared May 1 as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers' sacrifice. The day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day since 1890. Also Read: Historic May Day being observed