Poplar and Limehouse MP demands action from global fashion brands on Rana Plaza anniversary

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London:  On International Workers’ Memorial Day,Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, has called for immediate action from global clothing brands to uphold workers’ rights, marking 12 years since the devastating collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh.

Speaking today, Apsana Begum honoured workers worldwide who have lost their lives due to unsafe working conditions and praised trade unionists for their ongoing efforts in difficult circumstances.

This important day follows the 12th anniversary of the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh on 24th April 2013, which killed at least 1,132 workers and injured more than 2,500 — one of the worst industrial accidents on record,” Apsana Begum said.

She urged international fashion companies to deliver on promises of enhanced human rights due diligence and to immediately implement ethical and responsible purchasing practices. “Whether in the UK, Bangladesh, or anywhere else in the world, all workers have the right to a living wage, decent working conditions, and trade union rights — including the right to refuse unsafe work,” she added.

Apana Begum MP has also tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament to commemorate the Rana Plaza disaster and to press for continued improvements in labour rights and corporate accountability.