With the rousing slogan “The blood of workers stains this land, yet inequality still stands,” Cox’s Bazar observed International Workers’ Day through a powerful rally, labor gathering, and cultural performances. The event, held Thursday afternoon at the city’s Goongachtola Shramajibi Chattar, was jointly organized by Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, Cox’s Bazar district unit, and the Bangladesh Trade Union Centre, local chapter.
The program began with a colorful procession through the city streets, followed by a gathering that brought together fishers, day laborers, street vendors, and auto-rickshaw drivers—all representing the backbone of the working class.
Speakers at the event addressed urgent issues such as fair wages, labor rights, and workplace safety. They called for stronger policies and united action to end wage discrimination and exploitative practices that still plague workers across sectors.
Members of Udichi performed songs of struggle and hope, adding a profoundly emotional and inspiring tone to the gathering. They celebrated the enduring spirit of working people.
Sourav Dev, the General Secretary of Udichi’s Cox’s Bazar chapter, emphasized, “Among all our yearly initiatives, May Day holds the most significance. Our cultural activism is always rooted in solidarity with the struggle for workers’ rights.”
Organizers noted that this year’s May Day in Cox’s Bazar drew a notably higher turnout, reflecting a growing consciousness and unity among the laboring masses.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
