A group of Rana Plaza victims alleged that there is a lack of transparency in the distribution of aid money provided by foreign organisations, for the treatment and rehabilitation of the survivors.
The Rana Plaza Garments’ Workers Union made the allegation at a press conference held at the National Press Club Monday.
In a written statement, the union claimed there was no clear and transparent accounting of the grants, which came from abroad for the treatment and assistance of Rana Plaza victims.
“There is lack of transparency, and enough scope for corruption and lies,” the statement said.
Rana Plaza Garments’ Workers Union was formed on May 18 by surviving workers of the five garment factories housed inside the collapsed building at Savar.
The group is a part of the Garments Workers’ Trade Union.
Many affected workers, who were present at Monday’s press conference, had emotional outbursts while narrating their individual experiences.
They urged accurate accounting and transparency regarding workers’ compensation, treatment and rehabilitation. They also demanded dissemination of relevant information through a website or regular notifications.
They also called for implementation of other demands, including payment of unpaid wages, exemplary punishment to Rana Plaza’s owner, and the sacking of government officials who were responsible for certifying the building.
The union members also claimed that “terrorists” are threatening struggling workers, and many were living in fear.
The Rana Plaza collapse on April 24 killed at least 1,129 people, and left about 2,436 others seriously injured.
