DHAKA: One year ago this day (April 24, 2013), the factory collapse in Rana Plaza cost over 1,100 people their lives. This needless tragedy must never be forgotten.

British lawmaker Rushanara Ali came up with the assertion, in a press release, on the 1st anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse which claimed the lives of 1100 people and injured thousands.
 
The release also said: “Workers in the Bangladesh garments industry, and worldwide, deserve the right to safety at work, as well as better conditions and pay. However, one year on, there is still so much that needs to be done. In particular, much more needs to be done for the families of those who died as well as the survivors.”

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), global companies that sourced garments from factories operating in the Rana Plaza building are still not contributing enough to the trust fund set up to support survivors and the families of those who died.

The target for the fund is $40 million, but only $15 million has been raised so far.
 
At the time, the factory collapse also led to media attention, with MPs such as Rushanara putting pressure on UK-based clothing retailers to improve safety standards and working conditions at their factories in Bangladesh.

Rushanara lent her support to the ‘No More Fashion Victims’ campaign, led by activist and fashion designer Katharine Hamnett and Labour Behind the Label which is designed to raise awareness on protecting garment workers making clothes for British high street retailers.

She urged the consumers to make their voices heard and bring about change that can protect lives in the future and prevent disasters such as in Rana Plaza.

She also urged the international community to act urgently to improve labour standards and to ensure a decent wage for garments workers.

BDST: 2005 HRS, APR 24, 2014