KHULNA, May 1 (BSS) - The historic International Labour Day traditionally
known as "May Day" was observed today in Khulna as elsewhere across the
country in a befitting manner for establishing workers' rights.

The day was a public holiday.

Different political parties, socio-cultural organisations, professional
bodies, rights organisations and trade unions have observed the day with a
fresh vow to emancipate workers from the yoke of inhuman exploitation and
reduce work day to eight hours. They held rallies, seminars and discussions
in Khulna city.

Marking the day, Khulna Divisional Labour Department and Khulna District
Administration jointly organised a colourful rally, led by Khulna City
Corporation (KCC) Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque, from City's railway station
that paraded different streets in the city.

Afterward, a discussion was held at the Shilpakala Academy with Khulna
Divisional Commissioner Md Helal Sharif in the chair. KCC Mayor addressed the
meeting as the chief guest while lawmaker of Khulna-3 constituency S M Kamal
Hossain addressed it as guest of honour.

KMP Commissioner Md Mozammel Haque, Additional Range DIG Md Hasanuzzaman,
Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin and Superintendent of Police (SP)
Md Sayedur Rahman addressed the programme as special guests while Director of
Divisional Labour Department Md Mizanur Rahman delivered the welcome speech.

Chairman of Bangladesh Jute Association Farhad Ahmed Akand, Vice-President of
Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association ( BFFEA) Sheikh Abdul Baki,
Central Joint Secretary of Jatiya Sramik League B M Zafar, General Secretary
of Khulna city unit Sramik League Ranajit Kumar Ghosh and freedom fighter
Professor Alamgir Kabir addressed the meeting, among others.

Abdul Khaleque said labourers are the key strength of the country's economy.
The present government is working tirelessly for the wellbeing of labourers
and has implanted laborers-friendly law for their greater interest.

Later, he distributed Taka 15 lakh among 25 labourers and employees and their
family members from the Sramik Kallyan Foundation of Bangladesh.

Director of the Divisional Labour Department Md Mizanur Rahman said the
present government has already distributed Taka 12.99 crore among 3,408
distressed and ailing labourers and their family members in Khulna, so far,
from the Sramik Kallyan Foundation of Bangladesh.

Different trade union bodies have observed the Day through holding rallies,
seminars and discussions at different parts in the city.