Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for the proper observance of International Workers’ Day, or May Day, on May 1. In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, he recalled the 1886 Chicago labor movement as a historic example of workers’ sacrifice for their rights. He noted that despite decades of struggle, workers worldwide continue to face challenges in securing fair wages and benefits, often risking their lives in the process.

Dr. Rahman criticized both employers and workers for actions that harm industrial harmony, saying that owners sometimes prioritize their own interests over workers’ rights, while workers’ protests can occasionally damage institutions. He emphasized that true welfare for both sides lies in following the Prophet Muhammad’s guidance to pay workers their due before their sweat dries. He argued that Islamic labor principles could ensure justice and protect the interests of both employers and workers.

He urged all segments of Bangladesh’s working population and citizens to observe May Day with due respect and seriousness.