Injured workers, family members of the deceased and labour rights activists paid tribute to the victims of the Rana Plaza collapse on Friday. They also renewed demands for justice, compensation and proper treatment for survivors.
Marking the 13th anniversary of the country’s worst industrial disaster, they gathered at the temporary memorial site on the land where the building once stood in Savar. They placed wreaths and offered prayers in the morning.
Before the tribute, members of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation brought out a protest march. They demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the collapse.
They also called for adequate compensation and comprehensive medical care for the survivors.
Labour leaders expressed frustration over delays in both justice and compensation.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, Legal Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, said many injured workers still struggle to afford medical treatment. He demanded compensation in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 121.
Aurobindu Bepari Bindu, President of the Revolutionary Garments Workers Federation, said 13 years have passed but legal proceedings against those responsible have still not reached conclusion. He urged the government to fulfil the long-standing demands of garment workers.
Several labour organisations, including the Garment Workers Trade Union Centre, Garment Workers’ Rights Movement and the National Workers Unity Centre, joined the memorial programme along with grieving family members.
On 24 April 2013, the Rana Plaza building near Savar bus stand collapsed. The disaster killed 1,138 people and left thousands injured.
