Observing May Day!

Photo: A.M.Ahad / Driknews

Each year, all over the world, the historic May Day is observed through arranging different programmes. In Bangladesh, the workers feel gratified as it is a national holiday. Nothing additional is achieved or felt by its stakeholders. Is it all about that day of sacrifice?
Where the workers do not get their proper wages, female workers lose their job for getting expectant, breathe their last in the locked up factory premises, don't get salary (not bonus!) before the Eid day, observing May Day, in a festive mood, is quite offending! We all understand that the white collar people are enjoying the output of the disadvantaged workers but they are not eager to fulfill their basic rights.
After 39 years of achieving high paid, much desired, independence we have not been able to develop an acceptable and standard wages policy. Owners of the organisations, in most cases, pay too little as wage/salary. It is quite impossible for the workers to live in urban areas. Moreover, they have to work 18 hours per day without having proper foods, safety, and a comfortable environment. As a result, gradually they are becoming physically frail and pale. Finally, the authorities kick them out without bothering about their pension, gratuity, or any other allowance.
So, on this May Day, the prime demand should be: formulating an up to date, reality based, labour and wages policy. If that is possible both parties will be benefited because the satisfied workers will become an asset for an organisation.