Friday marked the seventh anniversary of the collapse of Rana Plaza structure in Savar with victims still waiting justice. A nine-storied building, which housed five clothing factories, collapsed in Savar, outskirt of capital Dhaka, on April 24, 2013, killing 1,132 people, injuring 2,500 others,
Labour body leaders said that victims, injured workers and their relatives are yet to see justice. The relatives of the dead workers did not receive compensation proper with many injured workers being unable to return to normal life. On July 18, 2016, charges were framed against 41 people, including owners of five factories, local government representatives, officials and politicians in a homicide case after the collapse.
Every year on this day, different organisations held programmes to remember the victims and demanding compensation, rehabilitation of the victims and maximum punishment to the culprits. This year, no programme was held due to coronavirus outbreak. The Rana Plaza Tragedy Day was observed without holding any public gatherings this year in a bid to prevent the spared of coronavirus, said Khairul Mamun Mintu, organising secretary of Bangladesh Garment Workers Trade Union.
The workers leader demanded proper compensation, rehabilitation to the victims of Rana Plaza as well as maximum punishment to the accused. Besides, chairman of Dhamsona Union Parishad in Ashulia, Saiful Islam, distributed foods 1350 unemployed families including that of 300 families from Rana Plaza tragedy, Mamun added.
