Rana Plaza victims stage protest demanding rehabilitation, justice

The victims of Rana Plaza collapse, along with their families and labor rights activists, organized a human chain and rally on Friday morning in front of Savar Press Club, demanding permanent rehabilitation and comprehensive medical care for the injured. 

The protest, held under the banner of the Rana Plaza Victims� Rights Movement, included seven key demands aimed at justice and better support for those affected.  

The protestors presented the following demands:  
1. Arrest and prosecution of garment factory owners, building owners, government officials, and public representatives involved in the Rana Plaza disaster.  
2. Allocation of government land for the permanent rehabilitation of affected workers.  
3. Guaranteed medical care for injured workers.  
4. Recovery of misappropriated donation funds meant for Rana Plaza victims and distribution among affected families.  
5. Government grants for the higher education of victims' children.  
6. Establishment of bank accounts for workers who were excluded previously.  
7. Legal action against political leaders, labor leaders, and NGOs accused of embezzling aid funds.  

During the rally, several speakers alleged widespread corruption and negligence in handling the compensation and support meant for the victims. Activists claimed that former State Minister for Relief Dr. Enamur Rahman and his wife, Rowshanara Begum, embezzled Tk. 10,000 in aid per injured worker. They urged authorities to recover and redistribute the funds immediately.  

Shah Alam Hossain, central convener of the National Garment Workers' Movement, stated, "Millions in government aid were misused instead of being spent on rehabilitation and medical care. A trust fund was formed for workers� treatment, but instead of helping the victims, the money was embezzled." 

Representatives from various organizations, including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the National Citizens' Committee, and leaders of the July Revolution, expressed solidarity with the victims. Members of the 17-member committee formed to lead the Rana Plaza Victims� Rights Movement were also present, including injured workers Nurul Islam, Kabir, and Nilufa Akter.  

The speakers emphasized the need for greater accountability and demanded the immediate implementation of the seven-point charter to provide justice and restore dignity to the affected workers.