One year after Rana Plaza

TODAY we take stock of what has happened over the course of a year since the tragedy of the Rana Plaza collapse that killed more than 1,100 people and disabled scores of others. On the bright side, we see the labour law amended paving the way for union formation in the garments sector (RMG). A minimum wage scale of Tk5,300 has been agreed upon and is being implemented in phases and steps have been taken to recruit factory inspectors. These are undoubtedly positive steps, but much remains to be done to ensure long term security of workers.
Major drawbacks remain in key areas. Especially the issue of compensation has been largely unaddressed. Such a high casualty rate and so many more remain scarred for life, both physically and emotionally are issues that need immediate redressing. With as many as 17 ministries and departments involved in the process, there has been a lack of coordination in activities and the confusion needs to be sorted out. The proposal to shift factories to an apparel village in Munshiganj remains on hold as does the appointment of sufficient number of inspectors due to problems with amending government recruitment procedures.
A tragedy of such gargantuan proportions should have expeditiously propelled criminal proceedings against people responsible for the tragedy. Yet we do not see concrete measures to bring them to book. Unless guilty parties are brought effectively to justice for criminal negligence, no deterrence is possible against such criminalities.