To mark the nine-year anniversary of Rana Plaza tragedy, the industrial disaster that killed more than 1,100 people back in 2013, a memorial programme was held today (April 23, 2022) with candle light vigil for the victims.

The family members of the victims and the leaders and activists of different labour organisations converged at the site in Savar, remembering this day this evening at the base of the temporary memorial monument where at least 1,136 people were killed and over 2,500 were injured when Rana Plaza collapsed on April 24, 2013.

They also observed one minute silence in their honour, reports our Savar correspondent quoting the organisers.

Praying for the salvation of the departed soul of the victims, the family members of the victims and labour leaders demanded capital punishment of those responsible for the tragedy.

Rafiqul Islam Sujan, president of Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, demanded the government to declare April 24 as national mourning day for apparel workers.

He said they have been demanding for a long for a permanent memorial to be set up in front of Rana Plaza. They also wished for the rehabilitation of the family members of the victims and injured workers by acquiring the land of Rana Plaza.

They still urge the government to provide compensation to the injured workers equivalent to their whole life income, and provide compensation to the family members of the victims, he added.

He added that it is a matter of shame that none of their demands have been met yet.

Rahela Khatun, mother of one of the victims of the tragedy, told The Daily Star, "Nine years have already been elapsed but the justice is yet to be served".

Rahela blamed the government for not ensuring justice regarding the incident and demanded capital punishment of the responsible people, including building owner Sohel Rana, with a heavy heart and teary eyes.