- Relatives of the Rana Plaza victims break down in tears as they visit the graves of their dearest ones at Jurain graveyard in the capital yesterday. With the second anniversary of the tragic incident around the corner, many people are still to know about the fate of their loved ones
The physical and mental conditions of 22.6% survivors of Rana Plaza disaster have rather worsened in the past two years, a study finds.
More than 70% respondents surveyed by ActionAid Bangladesh have said they recovered from the trauma of the deadliest industrial disaster.
The study on the present condition of the Rana Plaza survivors revealed yesterday also shows that more than 61% of the survivors have to see doctors or go to hospitals for diagnoses, check-up and physiotherapy while depression and trauma still torment 59%.
Apart from the physical and psychological conditions, the study assesses the livelihood status of the survivors and the status of compensation and identifies the loopholes in extending necessary services to the survivors.
“The workers could not go back to work as they are traumatised with anxiety and the situation has worsened to a level that they have to take consultancy by professional psychologists,” said Kamal Ahmed, who teaches clinical psychology at Dhaka University.
A total of 2,200 people – 1,414 survivors and 786 family members – were covered by the survey.
The survey says 55% survivors are still unemployed due to unwillingness of employers to give them jobs, their mental and psychical weakness, unavailability of suitable jobs and desired wages.
“The psychical conditions of the survivors are worsening, and they are unable to join works due to trauma,” said Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, at the programme.
She suggested multi-stakeholders dialogue with participation from the government, factory owners, brands, trade unions and development partners to address the issue and help the workers overcome the situation.
A number of survivors, who were present at the function, claimed that they did not get proper compensation and in some cases were even deprived of the allocated amounts.
Replying to a question from a survivor, Mojtaba Kazazi, executive commissioner of Rana Plaza Coordination Committee, said they had received more letters demanding compensation than the fund available.
He added that the compensation depends on the loss and damage the survivors faced.
“Compensation is an endless debate, but it should be addressed properly,” said lawmaker Ishrafil Alam, who is a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and Employment Ministry.
Commenting on punishment of Sohel Rana, the owner of the building that collapsed, he said: “The culprits are very powerful. That is why the process of judgment is being delayed.” Ishrafil said they wanted industrialisation but not at the cost of workers’ lives, humanity and dignity.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
