May Day commemorates the killing by police on May 1, 1886 of several demonstrating workers at Hay Market in Chicago, USA, who demanded the 12-hour workday be reduced to eight hours.

Today is public holiday. Trade unions and professional bodies will observe the day by holding seminars, discussions and cultural programme in the capital and elsewhere in the country.

"Rallies are prohibited under the state of emergency. But discussion and cultural programmes on May Day have been permitted for those who have sought prior permission," DMP Commissioner Naim Ahmed told the UNB yesterday.

President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed have issued separate messages on the occasion, wishing the workers at home and abroad all the best.

The state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels will air special on the day, while the newspapers bring out special supplements on the occasion.