Staff Reporter :
About 48 percent survivors of Rana Plaza collapse, the biggest industrial disaster in history that took place in April 24, 2013, are still jobless, a six percent increase from last year, says a recent study.
ActionAid Bangladesh that came up with the information in their 5th follow-up survey report on Rana Plaza collapse titled “Industrial Sector of Bangladesh after Rana Plaza Accident: Initiatives and Changes.”
According to the survey, presented by the Manager of ActionAid Bangladesh Nuzhat Zebin, physical condition is deteriorating of 12 percent workers, 22 percent are mentally distressed, 48 percent are unable to work, and 21.6 percent only resumed working.
According to the survey – conducted on survivors and families of the deceased and presented by the Manager of ActionAid Bangladesh Nuzhat Zebin – physical condition of 12 percent survivors is deteriorating while 22 percent mentally and 48 percent have become permanently disabled.
Of the survivors, only 21.6 percent resumed working, said the report.
Evaluating the present condition of survivors and the measures taken after Rana Plaza catastrophe, Rajshahi University Professor Dr Jakir Hossain said that the victims received help in many ways, but there was no standard set for it.
“The factory monitoring system has not been improved, and 312 only inspectors are looking after the whole industry,” he lamented.
MM Akash, Professor, Dhaka University in his discussion said, “Workers have not been able to overcome their terrible loss though they received some money within a short time ‘in the name of compensation.”
“The compensation has been fixed at Tk 1 lakh whereas we proposed the amount should be Tk 15 lakh, which is not acceptable. He also mentioned that the monitoring system
has not been improved, and only 312 inspectors are looking after the whole industry,” he added.
The Deputy General of Fire Service and Civil Defense, Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan (retd) said, “We have not learnt any lesson from Rana Plaza collapse. Building construction rules are not followed at all, and there is none to monitor the factory equipment.”
Discussing the deplorable and risky condition of factory buildings, Professor Dr Israt Islam from BUET’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning said Bangladesh National Building Code was formulated in 1990s, but unfortunately it has not been enacted as a law.
Observing over the issue of labour rights, Dr Wazedul Islam, Chairman of Bangladesh Trade Union said, “Although the doors of labour court are open to any labourer, there is no labour court in the country’s densely industrial areas. The punishment of 4 years imprisonment for negligence of duty is not justified at all. It is a main source of frustration of the workers.”
“For a permanent solution of the problem, the safety of workers must be strengthened,” he urged.
ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir moderated the programme.
About 48 percent survivors of Rana Plaza collapse, the biggest industrial disaster in history that took place in April 24, 2013, are still jobless, a six percent increase from last year, says a recent study.
ActionAid Bangladesh that came up with the information in their 5th follow-up survey report on Rana Plaza collapse titled “Industrial Sector of Bangladesh after Rana Plaza Accident: Initiatives and Changes.”
According to the survey, presented by the Manager of ActionAid Bangladesh Nuzhat Zebin, physical condition is deteriorating of 12 percent workers, 22 percent are mentally distressed, 48 percent are unable to work, and 21.6 percent only resumed working.
According to the survey – conducted on survivors and families of the deceased and presented by the Manager of ActionAid Bangladesh Nuzhat Zebin – physical condition of 12 percent survivors is deteriorating while 22 percent mentally and 48 percent have become permanently disabled.
Of the survivors, only 21.6 percent resumed working, said the report.
Evaluating the present condition of survivors and the measures taken after Rana Plaza catastrophe, Rajshahi University Professor Dr Jakir Hossain said that the victims received help in many ways, but there was no standard set for it.
“The factory monitoring system has not been improved, and 312 only inspectors are looking after the whole industry,” he lamented.
MM Akash, Professor, Dhaka University in his discussion said, “Workers have not been able to overcome their terrible loss though they received some money within a short time ‘in the name of compensation.”
“The compensation has been fixed at Tk 1 lakh whereas we proposed the amount should be Tk 15 lakh, which is not acceptable. He also mentioned that the monitoring system
has not been improved, and only 312 inspectors are looking after the whole industry,” he added.
The Deputy General of Fire Service and Civil Defense, Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan (retd) said, “We have not learnt any lesson from Rana Plaza collapse. Building construction rules are not followed at all, and there is none to monitor the factory equipment.”
Discussing the deplorable and risky condition of factory buildings, Professor Dr Israt Islam from BUET’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning said Bangladesh National Building Code was formulated in 1990s, but unfortunately it has not been enacted as a law.
Observing over the issue of labour rights, Dr Wazedul Islam, Chairman of Bangladesh Trade Union said, “Although the doors of labour court are open to any labourer, there is no labour court in the country’s densely industrial areas. The punishment of 4 years imprisonment for negligence of duty is not justified at all. It is a main source of frustration of the workers.”
“For a permanent solution of the problem, the safety of workers must be strengthened,” he urged.
ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir moderated the programme.
