Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued the following statement on 29th April 2024 urging to observe International Labor Day popularly known as May Day on 1st May.

The upcoming 1st of May is going to be observed as May Day. The laborers and workers of America’s Chicago city set a unique example of sacrifice on this day in 1886 in order to secure their rights. Being inspired by that incident, the labor communities around the world have been continuing movements to ensure their due rights till now. Often, the laborers have to take to the street and sacrifice their lives.

It is obvious that no human-made doctrine or ideology can solve the human crisis and problems. Holy Prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) insisted on paying wages to the labor even before his/her sweat dries. The welfare and benefit of both the labors and the owners are secured within the materialization of such directives of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him).

At present, the labors and workers are deprived of their due rights from many perspectives. The conflict between the owners and the labors becomes intense in different mills, factories, and production sectors. Often the laborers are taking to the street to press their demands i.e. having due salaries and other facilities. But their demands are not met. Rather, many of the agitating workers are being expelled from job, they are being harassed in connection with false cases and many of them are being made injured. This situation must come to an end. We think that, the interest of the owners can be preserved and the real benefit of the labor communities can be ensured only by introducing Islamic labor law comprehensively.

Under the current critical condition of the nation, I am calling upon the working classes and the countrymen to observe International Labor Day popularly known as May Day on 1st May with due significance and fervor.”