Two apparel workers organisation yesterday called on to the authorities concerned to provide proper compensation to the Rana Plaza victims and publicise the list of people who were still missing from the deadly collapse on April 24.
The speakers made the call at a press conference, jointly organised by Garment Sromik Trade Union Kendra and Rana Plaza Garment Sromik Union at Mukti Bhaban in the capital.
They alleged that the government and owners of the factories were dillydallying in paying the compensation to the affected workers and their families and publishing the list of missing people in the collapse.
“From the very day of the collapse, the government and the BGMEA are promising compensation, but were yet to pay the affected families,” Emdadul Islam, president of Rana Plaza Garment Sromik Union, said.
Though the committee concerned proposed Tk14 lakh as compensation for the victims’ families, it was not appropriate, he said, and added: “The compensation must be equal to the total income they would have earned in their whole life. In addition, proper rehabilitation should be ensured for the affected families.”
He also emphasised making public the list of missing people.
At the press conference, the organisations placed a ten-point demand, including publication of a list of the deceased, injured and missing workers, compensation for all, identification of the bones of the workers found later, re-search into the debris, and proper punishment for the owner of Rana Plaza, apparel company owners and the officers who approved the design of the building.
The press conference also announced they will “lay siege” to the Prime Minister’s Office and the BGMEA building to realise their demands.