BGMEA president pledges jobs for Rana Plaza victims’ families

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan has announced employment support for workers affected by the Rana Plaza collapse and their family members.

The announcement came on Thursday (April 23) at a prayer event held at the BGMEA office in Uttara, marking remembrance of those killed in the 2013 disaster and wishing recovery for the injured.

Mahmud Hasan Khan described the Rana Plaza tragedy as not only a devastating incident but also a turning point for Bangladesh’s garment industry.

"The sector has undergone significant reforms over the past decade, particularly in workplace safety and compliance, earning international recognition," he said.

He added that Bangladesh has since emerged as a model for safe and environmentally sustainable apparel manufacturing, attributing the progress to the combined efforts of workers, factory owners, and both local and international stakeholders.

The BGMEA president also stressed vigilance to ensure that no party exploits the legacy of the Rana Plaza disaster for vested interests.

The move to create job opportunities for affected families is seen as part of broader efforts to address long-term rehabilitation and social responsibility within the country’s key export sector.