FROM PAGE 3

organisations gathered at the site to commemorate those killed in one of the country’s deadliest industrial disasters.

They placed flowers at a temporary altar and reiterated demands for justice and compensation.

Rafiqul Islam Sujan, president of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, said April 24 should be declared a National Workers’ Mourning Day.

He also called for the construction of a memorial monument at the Rana Plaza site, acquisition of the land, rehabilitation of affected workers, maximum punishment for those responsible, and compensation of Tk 4.8 million for injured workers -- equivalent to their lifetime income.

Taslima Akhter, president of Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity, told The Daily Star that justice has yet to be ensured.

“Even after 13 years, justice has not been ensured for the deaths of so many workers, and their rights have not been established. We hope the present government will fulfil our demands and ensure justice,” she said.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, described the collapse as a “planned killing” and said justice for those involved remains elusive.

“The previous government did not fulfil any of the demands of the victims. We hope the present government will ensure justice and fulfil the long-standing demands of the workers,” he said.