Commercial banks will constitute a Tk 1 billion fund to extend financial support to the families of the Savar building collapse victims.
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed made the announcement at a press briefing at the Federation building in the capital on Friday.
At least 516 people have been confirmed dead after the nine-storey Rana Plaza collapsed on Apr 24. More than 2,000 other people were rescued from the debris.
Akram said: “Discussions with Bangladesh Bank have already been held. This Tk 1 billion will be deposited at the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank. The families of those killed and injured will be given assistance from there.”
He said decision had been made to provide the youths, taking part in the Rana Plaza rescue operation, with jobs at banks based on their qualifications. “Those who qualify for jobs in banks among the injured will also be employed.”
Akram thanked the Prime Minister for her ‘courageous role’ in tackling the country’s worst industrial accident. He also thanked the people involved in the rescue operation.
Business leaders including former FBCCI President AK Azad and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Atiqul Islam were present at the press briefing on the current political situation.
Earlier, officials and employees of banks announced that they would contribute their one-day salary to the Prime Minister Relief Fund to extend financial assistance to the families of the victims.
Though the Army, coordinating the rescue operation, said 149 people remained missing until Thursday, Red Crescent claimed that the figure is over 400.
Source: Bd news24
