Bangladesh: When disaster strikes — What has changed since Rana Plaza?
By Mohammed Norul Alam Raju
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The reaction to Rana Plaza forced brands and retailers to act. About 250 companies signed two initiatives -- the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, and the less constraining Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety. Both were designed to improve the safety of 2,300 factories supplying Western brands. Both completed their terms last year. But in addressing fire safety, building safety, worker protection, and preparedness for massive collapse, has any practical discussion taken place?
The issue of minimum wage for garment workers has come into the discussion. The minimum monthly wage for garment workers has increased to $68, though it is still very poor compared to $280 in mainland China. Facing the threat of being cut off by Western buyers, thousands of factory owners have invested in fire doors, sprinkler systems, electrical upgrades, and stronger foundations. Major life-threatening concerns remain outstanding in too many factories, and need to be updated.
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If a single building collapse can kill over a thousand people, there is much to worry about.
What will happen if a moderate earthquake hits the country, causing thousands of buildings to collapse? How long will the government take to finish their search and rescue operation with this minimum preparation? Not to mention, we do not have enough rescue equipment at our disposal.
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So the question remains -- how prepared is the government to face possible worst-case scenarios following a disaster? Involving different ministries and NGOs, a coordination mechanism should be developed so that special guidelines can be prepared and disseminated. Mass awareness programs must span all strata of society, including city dwellers, government officials, municipality officials, politicians, engineers, architects, designers, builders, and medical people.
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