BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has declared that “Bangladesh comes first” and this should be the party’s one and only goal.

He made the statement virtually from London while addressing a rally organized by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal (Nationalist Workers Party) on the occasion of May Day, held on Thursday (May 1) at Nayapaltan in Dhaka.

The rally began with the slogan “May Day Calls Out—End All Inequality,” followed by a recitation from the Quran at 2:10 p.m. Thousands of workers gathered along the stretch from Fakirapool to Kakrail intersection, transforming the event into a massive assembly.

Wearing red caps and shirts, the workers chanted slogans such as “Workers of the world, unite and fight”—a universal labor slogan—alongside demands like “Immediate national elections, elections must be held!”

Tarique Rahman joined the rally virtually and voiced support for the workers’ demands.

The Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal announced a 12-point charter, which includes:

Immediate national elections
Trial of "fascist" Sheikh Hasina
Daycare centers in all workplaces
Reopening of closed factories
Establishment of new industries
Ending outsourcing and creating permanent positions
Ensuring free and democratic trade union rights
Justice for murdered workers
Ending abuse of workers
Maternity protection for female workers
A national minimum wage of 30,000 BDT
A non-discriminatory national pay scale and wage rate
Repeal of repressive laws including the Essential Services Act
Reduction of food and essential commodity prices