Transparency highest
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) yesterday denied The Daily Star reporter access to a press conference held at the PMO without explaining any reason. The Daily Star, however, carries the report based on information obtained from secondary sources.
The Relief and Welfare Fund of the prime minister operates with the highest transparency and accountability, said Mahbubul Hoque Shakil, the prime minister's special assistant yesterday.
Addressing a press conference at the PMO, he said negative campaign against Bangladesh's garment industry would not bring any benefit to the workers, rather it would take a toll on Bangladesh's economy with the closure of many factories. Its workers would become the worst victims, he said.
He also warned that anyone found guilty of spreading negative propaganda against the country's garment sector would face stern actions as per the laws of the land.
The press conference was arranged to mark the first anniversary of the country's worst industrial accident. At least 1,135 people, mostly RMG workers, were killed and scores more were injured when the 10-storied Rana Plaza building collapsed on April 24, 2013.
Reading out a statement, Shakil said a total of 2,438 people were rescued alive from the debris and 1,117 bodies were recovered. Eighteen people died of their injuries in hospitals.
He said 844 bodies were handed over to their relatives while 291 bodies were identified through DNA test.
He said the prime minister's Relief and Welfare Fund had distributed Tk 22.13 crore among the injured garment workers of Rana Plaza and family members of the deceased workers.
Atiqul Islam, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, who was present at the press conference, said the BGMEA would continue providing the injured workers with treatment.
He said there was no justification for the campaign against Bangladesh's garment sector where workers' wages have been increased up to 219 percent in only five years.
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