Blood-soaked love note under rubble of Rana Plaza

"I love you. My love is only for you." These were the words written by Asha in a letter to her lover Al-Amin. Al-Amin was killed in the collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013. Though sorrowful, the truth is, this letter of love was found in Al-Amin's pocket after his body was recovered. On that tragic day, Al-Amin's veins were soaked with the essence of love. April 24 marks the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse. After all these years, Asha might settle her life, perhaps with somebody else. Everything seems somewhat normal. But the glowing writing on the crumpled paper says otherwise. Maybe Asha still thinks about Al-Amin in her own way. On April 24 every year when the anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse arrives, Asha, like others, perhaps feels her heart heavy with the pain of losing loved ones. She lets out a long sigh of grief. However, she doesn't find herself saying those cries of anguish to anyone.

On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy, this letter is displayed in an exhibition in Savar. After that, "Views Bangladesh" started trying to find Asha's or Al-Amin's family. The conversation took place with Taslima Akhter of Bangladesh Garment Sromik Sanghati. She said it might be the end of 2013 or the beginning of 2014. They went to find news about the workers from Jaypurhat district who were killed or injured in Rana Plaza. At that time, they also discussed with Al-Amin's family. On that very day, Al-Amin's mother handed them the money bag and the letter, requesting them to keep it in their collection.

Referring to the compilation of their labor organization "Hazar Praner Chitkar" (Cry of a Thousand Souls) about the Rana Plaza tragedy, Taslima Akhter further stated, "Al-Amin's mother, Anwara, informed them that to restore stability to their impoverished family, Al-Amin and his brother Shahin Reza were sent to the city." The two brothers used to work together in a factory inside Rana Plaza. When the building collapsed, both brothers lost their lives. While Al-Amin's body was found, Shahin Reza's remains were never recovered.

In response to whether there was any communication between them and Asha, Taslima Akhtar stated that there was no communication with her. Even the current situation of her family is unknown. However, when the issue of Rana Plaza comes up, this letter indeed distresses them. So, she demanded maximum punishment for those involved in this accident.

Not just Al-Amin or Asha, but many who have lost their relatives or loved ones in the Rana Plaza tragedy share their stories with "Views Bangladesh". Rahela Begum, who lost her son Fazle Rabbi, is still struggling. She expressed how the loss of her elder son has brought turmoil to the entire family.

Eighteen days after the collapse of Rana Plaza, Tahera Begum found the body of her daughter, Shahida Akhtar. Due to her age, she can no longer move properly. However, she still thinks that Shahida will be returning. They mentioned that just compensating the losses cannot fill the void left by their loved ones. Many, like Rahela or Tahera, also demand the highest punishment for those who are responsible for this tragic disaster.

Social scientist and faculty at the University of Eastern Finland, Shahid Mallik, commented that the state should take effective measures to implement the issue of the potentially devastating impact of any adversity. He stated, “The impact of any adversity lasts long-term. And if, due to negligence, incidents occur that result in the destruction of thousands of lives, then the adverse effects require families, relatives, or society to cope with them for a lifetime. Therefore, the state cannot evade responsibility in this matter. Hence, if the state does not take appropriate steps against such atrocities immediately, then it will repeatedly face similar adversities.”