The inquiry committee formed by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to probe into the April 24 Rana Plaza collapse incident that claimed over 1,100 lives, has furthered nine reasons that led to the unfortunate incident. Unveiling its report during a press conference at BGMEA's Dhaka-based headquarters, the committee headed by BGMEA Vice President Mannan Kochi firstly blamed the builder of the complex for the mishap. According to the report, the builder violated the building plan and norms like construction of eight floors against permission for only six floors, use of sub-standard building materials, and compromising on the pillar capacity of the building at 2300 pound per square inch (PSI) against actual requirement of a minimum 3500 PSI. The committee also sought legal action against Sohel Rana, owner of the premises and also against owners of the five apparel factories that operated in the premises, for misleading the workers and factory owners and also the local administration regarding the facts.
The report noted that on discovering some cracks in the premises a day prior to the unfortunate incident, BGMEA had cautioned the owners of the premises and apparel factories therein to shut the premises. However, overlooking the association's warnings, the premises and factory owners opened the factories next day, when the incident took place. The report also blamed the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Rajdhani Unnayan Kortipakkha (RAJUK) and Savar Municipal Corporation for not ensuring the compliance of building and safety norms. It stated that over stuffing of too many air conditioners, generators, boilers, other machineries and heavy stock of raw materials and finished goods of the five factories also weakened the building. New Wave Bottoms Limited, Phantom Apparels Limited, Ether Tex Limited, New Wave Style Limited and Phantom Tac Limited are the names of five apparel factories that operated in the Rana Plaza complex.
