The sky wore a gloomy look yesterday as if cautioning people to stay put. But a 60-year-old woman did not pay heed as she slowly but surely walked along the empty Dhaka-Aricha highway.

By the time Sharbanu reached her destination, it started to drizzle. In silence, she stood in front of a structure while drizzle turned into rain as if tears of sorrow have broken loose.

This was the place -- the site of Rana Plaza -- where Sharbanu lost her only son Billal Hossen on this day exactly seven years ago. And not a day goes by her heart does not feel the pain of losing him.

On April 24, 2013, at least 1,100 people were killed and over 2,500 were injured  in the building collapse in Savar, considered one of the major industrial disasters in the country.

The day is observed with due solemnity every year with people from all walks of life gathering at the site to remember the victims. They place wreaths, hold rallies and meetings to mark the tragedy and demand proper compensation for survivors and punishment for perpetrators.

This year, none of the above took place because of the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing shutdown across the country.

"I know about the virus, but I just couldn't stay home," said Sharbanu. "I had to be here, pray for my son and seek justice... this is where my son died… he was just 26."

She said Billal was the sole earner after her husband passed away. "I am passing my days in untold hardships ever since my son died in that tragic accident. But to see that the accused are yet to be punished is even more painful. I demand exemplary punishment of the Rana Plaza owner and other accused," said the resolute mother.

She also mentioned that she did get some compensation but had to spend all of it for her treatment. "I don't want compensation, I want justice," she told this correspondent.

REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS

In observance of the day, law enforcers from Savar Model Police Station, Ashulia Police Station and Dhaka Industrial Police-1 yesterday placed floral wreaths at a makeshift platform built in front of the site.

Many workers' organisations decided not to go to the site and follow the government guideline of social distancing to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

On Thursday, at least 25 such organisations in a meeting with Saiful Islam, chairman of Swanirvar Dhamsona Union Parishad in Savar, took the above decision.

They prayed for the salvation of the victims' departed souls and expressed solidarity with their family members and survivors.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, organising secretary of Bangladesh Garments Worker Trade Union Centre, said the UP chairman also provided 1,350 packets of food items to the families of Rana Plaza victims, survivors, victims of Tazreen fire and the marginalised.

He said they have already started distributing those.

Rafiqul Islam Sujon, president of Bangladesh Garments and Shilpa Shramik Fedaretion, said although seven years have passed, there's been little to no progress in the case. "We urge the government to expedite the verdict in the case soon and demand exemplary punishment of the accused," he said.