Final date for submission of new claims Sept 30

The Rana Plaza Coordination Committee is calling all victims of the Rana Plaza building collapse, including all those employed in the Rana Plaza and adjacent building, rescue workers or any others suffering injury, who have not yet submitted a claim to do so immediately, prior to the closure of the scheme to new claims on September 30, said a statement.

In the statement, the committee said claims should be submitted at the Rana Plaza Claims Administration Office (RPCA), Cantonment Board Office (Old), Savar Cantonment. Those who believe they do have a claim should contact the office on 01733336022 to book an appointment. No new claims will be registered following September 30. The filing of any claim is free of charge.

The Government of Bangladesh, BGMEA, trade unions, NGOs and brands and retailers formed the Rana Plaza Coordination Committee (CC) in September 2013 with the purpose of ensuring payments to the victims, their families and dependents for losses and needs arising from the accident.

A claims process was established based on International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards on employment injury. Payments are funded by various sources and notably through the Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund, which is open to contributions from any organization, company or individual wishing to support the delivery of financial and medical support to the Rana Plaza families.

To date advanced payments of Tk 50,000 (Approx. US$630) have already been made to 3,000 claimants. A total of Tk 60,39,54,092 has been awarded for the first two instalments of nearly 1500 cases in total.

Although no new claims will be received after the date, the Rana Plaza Claims Administration will continue to process claims received and provide support for victims, their families and dependents for the foreseeable future, the release added.