Exactly two years ago on this day, over 1,100 people lost their lives and more than 2500 were injured when Raza Plaza, a nine-storey garments factory building, collapsed at Savar, reports BSS. Different workers’ organisations observed the day on Friday amid various programmes. Relatives of those, who lost their lives in the building collapse, placed wreaths in front of Rana Plaza. The workers’ organisations demanded capital punishment to those who were responsible for the collapse. A photo exhibition is also organised in memory of the late workers. UNB adds: The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) in a joint statement on Friday said they will continue to work together with Bangladesh for ensuring the economic growth and sustainable development of Bangladesh and go hand-in-hand with efforts to improve workers’ safety and rights as well. “Our commitment to Bangladesh is strong and enduring,” said the joint statement, issued on the 2nd anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh. US Secretary of State John Kerry; High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini; US Secretary of Labor Thomas E Perez; EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Marianne Thyssen; US Trade Representative Michael Froman; EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström; US Agency for International Development Acting Administrator Alfonso E Lenhardt; and EU Commissioner in charge of International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica signed the statement. They urge the government to formulate the rules under the Bangladesh Labour Act 2013 without further delays. “Similarly, we call upon the government of Bangladesh to enact legislation on economic processing zones that ensures workers inside the zones enjoy rights commensurate with those outside the zones,” said the statement. Also of pressing concern, the government should respond swiftly to cases of unfair labour practices, violence, and harassment against trade unions and workers’ representatives, it said. “We note that advances in health, safety, and labour rights will remain fragile and impermanent if workers are unable to exercise those rights and organize to represent their interests and concerns,” it said. Appreciating the progress made so far, the statement, however, said significant work remains to be done under the Sustainability Compact to realize its goals. “In particular, we encourage and support the government of Bangladesh’ s efforts to continue reforming its labor laws, in close consultations with the ILO, complete the safety inspections of all RMG factories and continue to register unions in a timely and transparent way,” it said. On the aftermath of the Rana Plaza collapse, the European Union, the United States and the International Labor Organization (ILO) came up with assistance to Bangladesh to undertake a series of significant commitments to foster respect for fundamental labour rights and ensure workers’ safety and health in the garment sector. The partners announced the Sustainability Compact for Bangladesh – a statement of principles and commitments designed to bring about a lasting transformation in the sector. The tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building claimed over 1,140 lives and injured many more.
Source: https://www.newstoday.com.bd/index.php?option=details&news_id=2409406&date=2015-04-25
