We must mark April 24, 2013 as a watershed moment for the RMG industry, not just in Bangladesh, but globally.
Commemoration events today to mark the first anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster will allow the nation to offer respects and stand in solidarity with the families of the bereaved.
Many thousands of rescue workers and volunteers endured for many days to find survivors. We salute their courage. Disaster response systems can never be a substitute for preventing disasters, but efforts to improve them can always be made.
Banking and media outlets should work together to institutionalise a formal independent appeals framework that can allow citizens who are not in a position to provide direct assistance but can contribute financial support to give money to a trusted central body that can be swiftly activated to collect and distribute funds.
Similarly, while monetary compensation is inadequate solace for loved ones lost or injuries suffered, no effort should be spared to increase and speed the pace of payments to victims and families.
For the longer term, everything possible that can be done to prevent future disasters must be a high priority for brands, consumers, and governments the world over.
Rana Plaza was a needless and preventable tragedy. Sadly, fatal incidents are not historically rare in the RMG sector, whether in Bangladesh or elsewhere. Spectrum and Tazreen are just two of the more deadly accidents which have befallen workers in recent years.
Building a safer, more sustainable garment industry will be the best and most lasting memorial to those who suffered at Rana Plaza.