Rana Plaza victims have organized a human chain and rally on Friday morning , demanding permanent rehabilitation, adequate medical care, and action against those who misappropriated funds intended for their welfare.
The protest was organized under the banner of the Rana Plaza Victims' Rights Movement in front of the Savar Press Club, to push for a seven-point charter of demands.
The protesters demanded the arrest and punishment of those responsible for the Rana Plaza tragedy, including garment owners, building owners, government officials, and public representatives.
They also called for the permanent rehabilitation of affected workers on government land, proper medical treatment for injured workers, and the recovery of misappropriated donation funds to be returned to the victims' families.
Additionally, they urged the government to arrange higher education opportunities for the children of affected workers, open bank accounts for victims who lack them, and take legal action against political leaders, labor leaders, and NGOs accused of fund embezzlement.
Labor leader Shah Alam alleged widespread misappropriation of donations.
He said: “Despite receiving millions of takas in donations, the funds were not utilized for rehabilitation or medical care but were instead embezzled. Even the trust fund established for victims' treatment has failed to assist them.”
Shah Alam demanded the prosecution of former ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, and labor leaders implicated in fund embezzlement and called for the recovery of the stolen money.
The rally was attended by Rana Plaza survivors, labor leaders, and activists from groups such as the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the National Citizen Committee, and the July Revolution.
Nilufa Akter, a Rana Plaza survivor, and Shahidul Islam, member secretary of the 17-member committee leading the movement, also addressed the gathering.
The rally concluded with a call for immediate government intervention to meet their demands and ensure justice for the victims and their families.