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TL;DR
- Rana Plaza Tragedy: The 2013 collapse killed over 1,100 people, highlighting safety issues in Bangladesh’s garment industry.
- Allegations Against Hasina: Major General Sarwardy claims former PM Sheikh Hasina instructed him to halt rescue efforts and underreport deaths.
- Rescue Efforts: Sarwardy led the operation that saved 2,438 people, refusing to comply with alleged unethical directives.
- Industry Reforms: The disaster prompted safety reforms and global scrutiny, but challenges in worker safety and rights persist.
The Rana Plaza tragedy, which occurred on April 24, 2013, remains one of the most devastating industrial disasters in history. The collapse of the eight-story commercial building in Savar, Bangladesh, resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 people, primarily garment workers, and left thousands more injured. This catastrophic event highlighted severe deficiencies in building safety regulations and labor conditions within the garment industry, both in Bangladesh and globally.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the rescue operation was led by the Bangladesh Army’s 9th Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy. His leadership was instrumental in the rescue efforts, which saved approximately 2,438 people from the rubble. The operation, however, was not without controversy. Recently, Sarwardy made allegations against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming she instructed him to halt the rescue efforts prematurely and to underreport the death toll. He stated, “Many have been rescued, now cover up the rest,” referring to the trapped individuals. Sarwardy refused to comply, insisting on continuing the rescue operations until all individuals, dead or alive, were accounted for.
These allegations have sparked renewed discussions about the political and ethical dimensions surrounding the disaster. Sarwardy also claimed that similar unethical directives were given during the Tazreen Fashions fire in November 2012, where 117 workers perished. He alleged that the government, under Hasina, sought to conceal the bodies to prevent political fallout and potential protests led by opposition parties.
The Rana Plaza collapse has had lasting impacts on Bangladesh’s garment industry. It served as a catalyst for significant reforms aimed at improving workplace safety and labor rights. The Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, a legally binding agreement between brands, retailers, and unions, was established to enhance safety standards in the industry. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Many factories still fall short of adequate safety measures, and workers continue to face hazardous conditions, low wages, and limited social protections.
The tragedy also prompted global scrutiny of supply chain practices, leading to increased pressure on international brands to ensure ethical sourcing and production. As of 2024, reforms have led to the certification of over 200 factories under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable and safe manufacturing practices.
While progress has been made, the journey towards comprehensive safety and justice for the victims of the Rana Plaza disaster continues. The ongoing legal proceedings and Sarwardy’s recent claims underscore the complexities involved in addressing the systemic issues that contributed to this tragedy. As Bangladesh’s garment industry remains a crucial component of its economy, ensuring the well-being and rights of its workers is imperative for sustainable growth and development.
Source: Jamuna Tv
