The death toll in Savar building collapse has crossed 750 after more bodies were recovered from beneath the rubble of the illegally constructed high-rise.
Hundreds of people are still waiting for their loved ones near the pile of concrete and the Adhar Chandra High School, 15 days after the worst-ever industrial disaster struck. They allege hundreds of bodies are still trapped under the debris.
One rescuer said the bodies recovered have decomposed. The bodies are being identified with the help of identity cards or mobile phones found on them.
Nine-storied Rana Plaza caved in on Apr 24. Most of the victims were readymade garment workers employed at the five RMG units based in the building. These factories used to produce products for renowned western brands. So far, 782 people have been confirmed dead.
It was found that the high-rise was constructed illegally. Elite crime fighting unit RAB arrested the building owner Sohel Rana from the bordering town of Benapole while he was trying to escape to India to evade justice. Rana, an alleged small time operative in the ruling Awami League, had been on the run since the accident.
Police have also detained owners of the five readymade garment units housed on the collapsed block.
Bangladesh has emerged as the second largest exporter of readymade garments after China by attracting international retailers with cheap labour. The sector has been plagued by accidents. Human rights bodies allege the mainstay of the country’s economy does not comply with international labour standards and safety measures.
Around four million people are employed in the sector, most of whom are women and earn as little as $38 per month.
Last month’s building collapse has again raised questions about working conditions in the country’s garment factories. This was third such accidents in past six months.
The European Union, Bangladesh’s largest importer of readymade garment products, has threatened to reconsider Bangladesh’s preferential trading status. If such status is withdrawn it would cost Bangladesh hundreds of millions of dollars in duties. GSP is designed to help developing countries to grow through trade.
It is the second such warnings from the EU this year. The 27-nation bloc has urged Bangladesh to “act immediately” to ensure factories across the country “comply with international labour standards”.