The historic May Day will be observed today in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world with a vow to establish the socioeconomic rights of the working class, report agencies.

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 told 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.