Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies BILS observed the historic May Day 2008 with an enthusiastic and festive manner. The three day programmes, BILS carried out on the occasion, included May Day Discussion, Photography Exhibition, cultural show, seminar and display. Hundreds of trade union activists from BILS associated NTUCs participated in the programmes held at National Press Club Auditorium and Osmani Memorial hall premises.

May Day Discussion
The May Day Discussion held at National Press Club auditorium on 1st May 2008 was addressed by senior trade union leaders. Syed Abul Maksud, a renowned journalist and columnist present the key note speech as guest speaker. The speakers underscored on the immediate withdrawal of ban on trade union activities and urged for trade union consultation before finalising the proposed amendment of labour law 2006. Speakers criticized the role of government regarding tripartite system. They said, government shows a partiality approach towards the owners and employers which is very harmful for workers and trade unions. Md. Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan, Acting Chairman of BILS presided over the session while among other BILS Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan, Advisor Shah Mohd. Abu Zafar, Abul Bashar, Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Secretary Shirin Akhter and Wajedul Islam Khan, who is also the coordinator of SKOP, spoke on the occasion.

Photo Exhibition At the meeting venue a photo exhibition of the working people was organised. The 27 photographs exhibited in the programme were taken by BILS Audio- Visual Team and Information Department. The photographs highlighted the workers from different professions, their problems and recent trend in workers life and livinghood. The visitors highly appreciated the quality and messages carried by the photographs.	Cultural Function The meeting was followed by a cultural function where the BILS cultural group in assistance with Kranti cultural team performed a number of May Day related songs, recitations, dance and dramas.
Media Highlighted the Event Most of the print and electronic media highlighted BILS events organised on the occasion of May Day. BILS Acting Chairman Md. Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan is seen to be interviewed by a renowned Radio Channel named Radio Today at the programme venue. Participation in May Day Fair On the occasion of May Day the Ministry of Labour and Employment of the government of Bangladesh organised a three day May Day Fair held at Osmai Memorial Hall in the Dhaka. BILS stall in the fair was decorated by its publications like posters, brochures, leaflets, flyers, banners and festoons. Chief Advisor Dr. Fakruddin Ahmmed and paid a visit to the stall during the fair.	Seminar at May Day Fair Venue BILS organised a seminar on Social Security and Maternity Protection for Women Workers on 3rd May. The seminar was a part of government programmes designed under the observation of May Day. BILS seminar was attended by Dr. Mahfuzul Huq, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment as Chief Guest, while BILS secretary Shirin Akhter was in the chair. Mohammd Ali Khan, Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau, Shahjadi Anjumanara, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Woman And Child Affairs were present as special guests. Professor Dr. Ishraf Shamim, University of Dhaka and Dr. Rita Afsar, Senior Research Fellow of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) were the guest speaker while the keynote papers were presented by BILS Project Officers Kohinoor Mahmood and Nazma Yesmin. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Assistant Executive Director of BILS moderated the session. Speakers underscored on ensuring a women friendly workplace so that many more women can join the labour market. Attitudes towards women at work should be changed, they underscored.