Dhaka: The historic May Day will be observed on Friday in the country as elsewhere across the world with a pledge to establish the rights of workers.

The May Day, also known as 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.

The day is a public holiday.

Trade unions and professional groups have taken up various programmes to observe the day to press for improving the working conditions with better wages for the workers and also seeking job security.

The Labour and Employment Ministry will bring out a colourful rally on Friday on this occasion.

Newspapers will publish supplements while radio and television channels air special programmes.

President Abdul Hamid in a May Day message said coordinated efforts of entrepreneurs, owners and workers are needed for building a strong and rich economy. “I hope all will come forward for establishing rights and ensuring the welfare of the working class,” he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, expressed the hope that both owners and workers will put in their best efforts to boost production in their factories through maintaining good relations between them.

She mentioned that her government has implemented various programmes for the welfare of workers and improving their living standard.

In a message, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia said realising and establishing the rights of workers is not possible without a democratic society. She urged workers to join the movement for establishing a democratic society.

On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fine 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 in Paris, an international workers’ rally 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.