Tofail seeks envoys' support for Rana Plaza compensation

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed has sought support of foreign envoys to realise compensation from major global retailers for to the victims of Rana Plaza collapse.
“After the tragic incident, many retailers committed to provide assistance to the victims and the distressed families. But none, except three or four, fulfilled their commitment,” he said.
So the envoys, especially those from North America and Europe, should come forward to help these people, the minister said.
He spoke at a photo exhibition at the residence of Canadian High Commissioner Heather Cruden in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The Canadian high commission arranged the exhibition on the life and struggle of garment workers in Bangladesh on the eve of the first anniversary of Rana Plaza collapse, in association with the British high commission and the Netherlands embassy in Dhaka.
Canada is committed to support Bangladesh's efforts to improve working condition in the garment industry, Cruden said.
Last year, Bangladesh took a number of initiatives, including a national tripartite action plan on fire safety for the garment sector and amendment to the labour law, she said.   
But many of the tripartite action plans have been partially implemented, Cruden said, adding that the government has failed to appoint required number of factory inspectors.

Many factories still continue to harass and prosecute labour union leaders, she said. British High Commissioner Robert Gibson said Bangladesh made significant progress since the Rana Plaza tragedy but “big challenges still remain”.
The building collapse is a wake-up call for all, he said, adding that all parties should take necessary steps to prevent such disaster.
The Netherlands' Ambassador Gerben de Jong said the government, employers' associations, trade unions, brands and international community must continue to work together for the transformation of the garment sector.

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