TDS Desk:

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday emphasized that improving workers’ living standards, ensuring their fair rights, creating safe working conditions and upholding their social dignity remain the foremost priorities of the present democratic government.

“On the occasion of May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all working people at home and abroad,” he added.

“The working people are the main driving force behind the development, prosperity and progress of any country,” the premier said in a message marking the Great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2026 to be observed on Friday.

He said industry, agriculture, infrastructure and a strong economy are built through the tireless efforts of workers.

The theme of this year’s May Day and the International Workers’ Day is ‘Healthy Workers, Productive Hands, A New Dawn Awaits’ or ‘ Sustho Sramik, Karmotho Hat, Ashbe Ebar Nobo Provat.’

Embracing the spirit inherent in this theme, the Prime Minister said the Great May Day is being observed in Bangladesh alongside other countries of the world.

On this day, the premier conveyed his sincere greetings to all Bangladeshi workers, both at home and overseas, who are engaged in their professions for their livelihoods and above all, for the development of the country.

He paid deep tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in May 1886 at Haymarket in Chicago, USA, while demanding an eight-hour workday and fair rights, as well as to workers across the world who have been martyred or injured in movements to establish their rights.

Tarique Rahman believed that positive changes in the lives of workers can be ensured through worker-friendly policies, expansion of employment and welfare-oriented initiatives.