The Stream

Bangladesh factory collapse survivor allegedly takes her life

Death raises concerns over whether Rana Plaza victims have been adequately compensated.

Rescue workers take part in the rescue of the eight-story building Rana Plaza, which collapsed at Savar, outside Dhaka, Bangladesh, 25 April 2013. ( EPA/ABIR ABDULLAH)
The alleged suicide of one Bangladeshi survivor of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse has raised the question of whether the needs of victims have been met since the tragedy. More than 1,100 people were killed and thousands injured in Savar, near Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka on that day of April 24, 2013. Salma, 27, was recovered by rescue workers three days following the collapse. 
 
She reportedly had been suffering from chronic head pain and mental instability sustained by a serious head injury as a result from the collapse. 
According to reports, Salma was unable to pay for medical treatment to alleviate her health problems. However, government officials argue this to be untrue, ordering a complete investigation into the cause of her death. 
 
Salma’s survival was considered a miracle by many, leaving many to condemn her allegedly hanging herself. However, others expressed empathy for the woman’s situation.