Thousands march in Bangladeshi capital for May Day rally

As around the world, trade unions and other groups have staged rallies to mark the International Workers' Day in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.

As is typical for the rallies organized by the workers' bodies, this year's May Day rallies voiced a fresh vow to strive for the rights of workers.

The slogans of the rallies focused on wages and jobs for all blue-collar workers.

On Sunday morning dozens of transport workers were seen to observe the historic day in Dhaka's largest Sayedabad bus terminal dressing as various historical characters.

Workers also held human-chain in Dhaka with pictures of world communist leaders at a rally.

In Bangladesh, the day is a public holiday. The Bangladeshi government's relevant ministries and departments are also observing the day with various programs including one in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to join.

Ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is also expected to address a rally by her party.

All offices, banks, industries and factories remain closed.

Bangladeshi President Md Abdul Hamid in a message called for establishing good worker-owner relations, ensuring fair wages and safe and congenial workplace.

He emphasised enhancing skills of workers and observed that there is no alternative to manufacturing world-class products in the competitive world. Endit