Savar, Bangladesh (BBN)-A year ago, on this very day, world’s worst garment industrial disaster took place in Bangladesh by the collapse of Rana Plaza in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital, Dhaka.
The collapse of eight-storey building cost the lives of more than 1,100 people, mostly garment workers, and left several thousand people injured or traumatised.
The people who survived the disaster are haunted by the terrified memories of being trapped in the pitch-dark for hours and even for days under the debris of the building.
Though the building owner and proprietors of the six apparel units which were on the caved-in building were aware of the cracks developed on the wall of the Rana Plaza, they allegedly forced the workers to join their work, defying their fear and anguish.
The circumstances raised the question of workplace safety of the foreign exchange earners and also humanity.
The indifference of international brands and their unfulfilled promise to pay compensation to the all victims’ families and injured.
And also the vulnerability of the apparel sector while the country is proud to be the second largest apparel exporter in the world.
Bangladesh government’s failure to fulfill the demand of victims’ families by completion of the trial of Sohel Rana, the owner of Rana Plaza, is also a matter.
The role of three trade bodies for garment manufacturers also came to question as they have to do more for making progress in preventing a similar catastrophe.
Though the world obviously was shocked by the April 24 tragedy last year, but ever we people could question ourselves, “Where do my clothes come from?”
BBN/ANS/AD/3:00pm (BST)
