RAJSHAHI, May 1, 2024 (BSS) - The historic May Day 2024 was observed here today like other parts of the country and the world as well with a fresh vow to uphold the rights of working people through maintaining harmony between labourers and owners.
 
Various political parties, trade unions, labour and socio-cultural organisations organized various programs including hoisting of national flag atop the offices of trade unions and labour organizations, discussion meetings, rallies and cultural functions marking the day.
 
In observation of the day, the divisional office of the Labour Directorate supported by the district administration organized a post-rally discussion at Nanking Darbar Hall in the city.
 
This year's theme of the day is 'Sramik-Malik Gorbo Desh Smart Hobe Bangladesh'.
 
Vice-chancellor of Rajshahi University Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar addressed the meeting as chief guest with Director of Divisional Labour Office Aminul Haque in the chair.
 
Additional Deputy Commissioner Kolyan Chowdhury, Deputy Inspector General of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Jahangir Alam, Senior Vice-president of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries Awal Khan Chowdhury and labourers leaders Abdullah Khan and Abdus Sohel also spoke.
 
Terming the working class as the driving force of the national economy, the speakers unanimously viewed that development of a nation is not possible without the development of the condition of the working class.
 
They also laid emphasis on greater unity among the working people to establish their legal rights.
 
Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar stressed the need for the safety of the laborers at their respective working places and reduction of child laborers so that they can grow up as healthy citizens of the country.
 
He also mentioned that the present government has contributed a lot to their welfare in enhancing the salary of the laborers particularly in the garments sector and also trying to make their workplace safer.
 
Besides, local units of bus, truck, minibus, tempo and mishuk labourers unions took out separate processions that paraded the main city streets. The procession was followed by discussion and milad mahfil at their offices.
 
The leaders and members of the Imarat Nirman Shramik Association of Bangladesh (INSAB) brought out a procession that paraded the city streets followed by a milad mahfil at its office.
 
Local unit of Jatiya Sramik Federation organised a rally in the city marking the day and held a discussion highlighting the importance of the day.
 
Apart from this, different political parties including Bangladesh Awami League and working groups brought out colourful rallies, held discussions and cultural functions to mark the day in the city.
 
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, Bangladesh Silk Development Board and Rajshahi Education Board also observed the day through separate programmes.