PHOTO GALLERY |
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Photo Exhibition by
Farjana K. Godhuly |
News Update November 26, 2005
On April 11th, 2005, the 9 storied Garments Factory in Palashbari,
Savar collapsed killing more than 70 people and injuring many more. Authorities
now say that the factory, at Palashbari Savar, 32km from Dhaka, collapsed because
of its poor construction on reclaimed marshland. This incident is the latest
in a series that reflects inadequate enforcement of safety standards in the
garments industry. Detailed report on this incident and the aftermath can be
found here.
While much needs to be done in the long term to implement systemic
changes to prevent the recurrence of such disasters, in the immediate short
term, assistance needs to be provided to those families who have lost their
main bread-earner and to those workers who have been permanently disabled. As
a step in that direction, Drishtipat has partnered with Uttorshuri to initiate
an on-line fundraising effort. Other Bangladeshi internet-based organizations
have stepped forward enthusiastically to help promote the cause and we thank
our co-sponsors:
www.virtualbangladesh.com,
www.amadergaan.com
www.banglacricket.com
Together, we are committed to making a difference!
100% of your donations will be channeled to the families of
the disabled and the dead. For the most effective disbursement of the raised
funds, Drishtipat has partnered with Sromik Nirapotta Forum, a newly formed
alliance of 15 very well known human rights organizations such as Ain O Shalish
Kendro.
Based on the information as of May 15, 2005,
the gravest injuries were sustained by about 30
victims. Some of them are in the military hospital, 1 in Dhaka Medical Hospital,
and 7 more in the Orthopaedic Hospital with severe injuries and limb amputations.
One 17 year
old boy lies paralyzed because of a vertebrae injury. 18 were released from
Apollo Clinic in Savar after a few days - possibly due to lack of funds to pay
for the required sustained medical care.
We are now moving expeditiously into the implementation stage
of our project. As of May 24, 2005, the Sramik Nirapatta Forum
members have collected medical reports and information on the families of the
victims who have sustained the gravest injuries, and they are in the process
of identifying and partnering with an organization who will undertake the rehabilitation
efforts in collaboration with the medical experts. They will meet in the coming
week to finalize the most effective disbursement strategy. Once the details
are finalized, all implementation details will be updated here.
In parallel to our efforts at addressing the immediate needs
of the injured victims and their families, it is imperative to take a stance to ensure the prevention of any such disasters in the future.
Towards that direction, a
writ petition seeking judicial intervention to redress the grievances of
the victims of the Factory Collapse, and seeking direction to prevent further
disasters in the future, was filed by the Sramik Nirapatta Forum on May 24,
2005.
Highlights of the court order, excerpted from the press
release, include interim orders directing the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka,
RAJUK and the BGMEA to produce their investigation reports before the Court.
The Deputy Commissioner, Dhaka, Chief Inspector of Factories, RAJUK and Savar
Cantonment Board have also been directed to submit reports before the Court
on legality of the construction of the building, ownership of land and safety
conditions of the buildings. The reports are to be submitted within one week
from the reopening of the court after the vacation. Meanwhile, the Chairman,
Managing Director and Director of the Spectrum Sweater Industries Ltd. have
been restrained from disposing of any of their assets and properties. They have also been rejected
bail by the court after their
surrender
According to a BUET Probe team report as of November 26, 2005,, the Spectrum Sweater factory at Palashbari in Savar caved in due to improper concreting in three feet area of a foundation column, said a civil engineering expert who was in a team that investigated the collapse. Full News Report.
Informational resources that address the lack of proper enforcement
of safety standards in the garments industry:
Clean Clothe
Campaign Document
Some
Newspapers Clippings on the incident
Donation Update: June 11th: $15407
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All donations to Drishtipat are tax deductible
to the extent allowable by law. Drishtipat's IRS Tax ID is 38-3657939. More
about Drishtipat and Uttorshuri.
Please click on the link below to donate through credit card or paypal. Please
Note: 3% of donation will go to Pay Pal for using their services.
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The online photo exhibition has been possible only because of photographer Farjana K. Godhuly who kindly agreed to contribute her
photos for this online exhibition. Our sincere gratitude to this rising
star of Bangladesh who is currently working as a photojournalist of Agence
France-Prasse (AFP). Her haunting images bring out the human element of
the tragedy and makes it all the more real to the viewers the sheer loss
that it has caused to the already poverty stricken workers and their families.
We hope you will see the exhibition and donate online for the long term
rehabilitation of some of these victims' families. All Pictures credit of AFP.
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