Economy
“May Day: A Global Celebration of Labor and Solidarity!”
May 1st marks International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, a day that celebrates the contributions and rights of workers around the world. From Europe to Asia, Africa to the Americas, people take to the streets to commemorate the achievements of the labor movement and advocate for the improvement of workers’ rights.
The history of May Day can be traced back to the late 19th century when labor movements in the United States and Europe began advocating for an eight-hour workday. On May 1, 1886, thousands of workers in Chicago went on strike, demanding that employers recognize their rights to work eight hours a day. The strike led to a violent confrontation between police and workers, known as the Haymarket affair, which resulted in the deaths of several workers and police officers.
Despite the tragic events of the Haymarket affair, the labor movement continued to fight for workers’ rights, and May Day became a symbol of the global struggle for better working conditions, fair pay, and workers’ solidarity. Today, May Day is celebrated in over 80 countries, with parades, rallies, and protests taking place to honor the contributions of workers and advocate for their rights.
In many countries, May Day is a public holiday, with workers taking the day off to participate in rallies and events. In some places, the day is marked by protests and strikes, as workers demand better wages and working conditions. In others, May Day is a time for celebration, with music, dancing, and cultural events.
This year, May Day comes at a time when workers’ rights are under threat in many parts of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of many workers, with many losing their jobs or facing unsafe working conditions. In response, workers and labor unions have been calling for stronger protections and support from governments and employers.
As we celebrate May Day, it is important to remember the struggles and achievements of the labor movement and continue to advocate for the rights of workers around the world. Whether through protests, rallies, or cultural events, May Day is a time to come together and show our solidarity with workers everywhere.
/NR
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
