Sunday, April 28, 2013

Bangladesh Factory Collaspe Kills Hundreds; Owner Arrested

A.M. Ahad/Associated Press

Last Wednesday, Rana Plaza, an eight story building housing several factories collapsed in what is one of the deadliest in recent history for Bangladesh's garment industry.  At least 362 people have died from the collapse and still counting.  The building was built without a permit and the day before the collapse, an inspection team discovered large cracks within the structure.  First floor shops closed immediately but the owners of garment businesses on the higher floors still ordered workers to report for work the next day.  

Many Western retailers including Primark, a huge UK retailer and Loblaw, a Canadian retailer that markets Joe Fresh, acknowledged that they were using the factories in Rana Plaza and expressed condolences.  Others, such as Benetton, were quick to deny any association with the collasped building even though documents were found linking the companies.

On Saturday, the owner of Phantom Apparels Ltd, a garment factory located on the fifth floor was arrested.  Spanish retailer, Mango is listed among its clients and acknowledges placing test orders with the factory.  Two other factory owners were also arrested.

The owner of Rana Plaza, Mohammed Sohel Rana has been in hiding since the collapse and was most recently arrested today after trying to flee the country into India. A warrant was issued for Mr. Rana on "suspicion of illegal construction and criminal negligence leading to death."  He will most likely be charged once investigation is complete which takes many months.

Bangladesh needs to seriously start regulating its garment industry as it seems like these tragic stories are becoming more and more common.  In November of last year and January of this year, factory fires killed hundreds of workers who were unable to escape due to building violations.  When will it end?

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