Dhaka Factory Collapse, Bangladesh

Facts on the factory collapse

·         The factory collapsed on the 24^th of April 2013 with an unknown number of people inside the building.

·         The death toll has passed 1000 and over 2500 people were injured, most of these being female garment workers between the ages of 18-40.

·         Days before the terrible incident the factory was briefly evacuated when the cracks (that eventually caused the collapse) appeared. Despite the building being branded unsafe, the workers were allowed back in the building later that day.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22476774

 

How much is the Ready Made Goods industry worth to Bangladesh?

·         Overall the RMG industry is worth of $15 billion to the country.

·         It is accountable for 80% of the country’s exports; H&M are responsible for 10% of this as they have imported $1.5 billion worth from the country.

·         Bangladesh is home to over 4,500 textile factories.

·         The industry employs approximately 4 million people in Bangladesh.

Will anything be done?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22474601

·         Many well-known brands and companies sourced or had previously sourced from this factory in Bangladesh including Primark, Matalan, Mango and Benetton. All of these brands released a statement after the collapse, Matalan, Mango and Benetton all stated that at the time they were not sourcing from this factory or that they never had, shifting all blame away from themselves. Primark stated that they would do all that they could to help.

·         Brands were quick to let the public know they were not sourcing from there as to not ruin their reputation even though the public need to be more aware of the situation and the area needs to be addressed. These companies need to start taking some responsibility for these incidents as until somebody steps in, incidents like this will continue to happen.

·         Although companies say that they will do whatever they can, is anything actually being done? As the conditions in these places do not seem to be getting any better and disasters like this are still happening.

·         Why should it take something as huge as this before a change is made anyway? Thousands of people shouldn’t have to lose their lives before something is done and the working conditions in these places are improved. Sadly we, as the consumer, don’t even stop to think about any of this while buying from these retailers, all we are concerned about is getting the best quality at the lowest price.