May Day commemorates the killing by police on May 1, 1886 of several demonstrating workers at Hay Market in Chicago, USA, who demanded that the 12-hour workday be reduced to eight hours.

Today is a public holiday. The state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast special programmes while national dailies are bringing out special supplements on this occasion.

Sramik Nirapatta Forum, a consortium of workers' rights organisations, used the occasion to place a 9-point demand for the compensation and rehabilitation of the workers killed and injured in the collapse of Spectrum Sweater Industries Ltd. building at Savar.

President Prof Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Opposition Leader in Parliament Sheikh Hasina delivered separate messages on the eve of May Day, urging the people to observe the day by showing proper respect to the noble sacrifice of the May Day martyrs.

In her message, the Prime Minister called upon all to enhance the relationship between workers and owners in order to achieve economic freedom for the country.

AL President Sheikh Hasina said the closure of government industries and failure to pay wages on time have created widespread unemployment in the country and contributed to the inhuman life of workers.

In a joint May Day statement, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Huq Inu and General Secretary Syed Zafar Sazzad said the cycle of civilisation, progress and humanity will not run unless the just rights of the workers are realised.

Jatiya Party Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju and Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam in a joint statement said there is no alternative to recognizing the just rights of workers, who are the prime drivers of production in the age of science and technology.

Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh and Islami Oikya Jote will hold discussions and rallies in the city.

Bangladesh Jatiya Sramik Jote, Bangladesh Trade Union Kendro, Swadhin Bangla Garments Sramik-Karmochari Federation, Bangladesh Apparels Workers Federation, Bangladesh Garments Workers Unity Council, Jatiya Sramik Jote-Bangladesh, Bangladesh Sramajibi Kendro, Jatiya Mukti Council, Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Mukti Andolon will hold rallies, seminars and discussions at different parts in the city.