US embassy cable - 05DHAKA1731

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 001731 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR SA/PB AND SA/PD 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, EAID, ECON, BG 
SUBJECT: BANGLADESH FACTORY DISASTER 
 
 
1.  Actions requested - see para 6. 
 
Background 
---------- 
 
2.  On April 11 at approximately 0100 local, a nine-story 
garment factory building in the Savar Export Processing Zone 
near Dhaka collapsed.  Reportedly built on swampy terrain or 
landfill, ground subsidence and an improperly constructed 
foundation may have caused or amplified the collapse.  As of 
1700 local April 12, the death toll stands at 24, with an 
estimated 350 persons still trapped under the rubble.  Thus 
far, 84 people have been pulled out alive. 
 
3.  Some 1500 rescuers from the Army, the Dhaka fire 
brigades, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are on the 
scene.  However, progress is slow because the rescuers are 
generally untrained, unequipped, and unprepared for this sort 
of disaster.  Narrow access roads and the lack of proper 
cranes have also hampered relief efforts.  In at least one 
reported incident, the botched removal of debris killed 
several survivors.  Many trapped persons have used cell 
phones to contact relatives and others to relate harrowing 
tales of the building collapse and their plight.  Graduates 
of a 2004 USAID course for fire department first responders 
to collapsed structures are on site and reportedly leading 
the rescue effort. 
 
4.  The prominent owners of the Spectrum Sweater and Knitting 
factory published a newspaper announcement blaming the 
collapse on a ground floor boiler explosion and offering to 
pay compensation and medical expenses to the victims, in 
accordance with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association (BGMEA) guidelines.  According to the 
Chairman of the Dhaka City Development Authority (known as 
Rajuk and reported to be extraordinarily corrupt), his 
organization had not issued approvals for this factory's 
building or construction. 
 
5.  Building collapses occur periodically in Bangladesh, 
though the scale of this calamity is unusual.  Introduced 
only in 1993, the building code is often ignored by 
developers, builders, and home owners.  Building inspectors 
are understaffed and poorly qualified, and often inspect only 
the design plans of a building, not its construction or its 
structural integrity once completed. 
 
Action Requests 
--------------- 
 
6. We recommend that: 
 
A) A/S Rocca telephone Foreign Secretary Morshed Khan to make 
the following points: 
 
-- We send our condolences to the families and friends of the 
victims and all Bangladeshis on the Savar factory tragedy. 
 
-- We are grateful that almost 100 persons have been rescued 
thus far, and pray for the safety of those still trapped 
under the rubble. 
 
-- We commend the rescue workers for their hard work and 
dedication. 
 
-- USAID has worked with the Disaster Management and Relief 
Ministry to build capacity and heighten awareness about 
responding to disasters like this one.  In late 2004, we 
trained approximately 10 members of the Dhaka fire department 
as first responders to collapsed structures, and are proud of 
their leadership role in the Savar rescue effort.  We have 
two related first responder courses scheduled for 2005. 
 
-- We look forward to working with you on the lessons learned 
from the Savar disaster. 
 
B) The Department issue a press statement like: 
 
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life from the 
collapsed garment factory building near Dhaka, Bangladesh, 
and extend our deepest condolences to the families and 
friends of the victims.  While we understand that at least 24 
persons have died, we are encouraged by the rescue so far of 
nearly 100 persons, and pray for the safety of the 
approximately 350 persons believed to be still trapped under 
the rubble.  We commend the Bangladeshi rescue workers for 
their commitment, determination, and resourcefulness. 
 
C) A condolence letter from the Secretary to Prime Minister 
Zia for personal delivery when PACOM Commander Admiral Fallon 
meets with her on April 17 or 18.  Suggested text follows: 
 
On behalf of the American people, I would like to convey to 
you our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of life from 
the collapse of the Spectrum Sweater and Knitting factory 
building in Savar.  We are truly saddened by the death and 
injury of so many hard working Bangladeshis, but are 
heartened to learn that many people have been rescued.  I 
commend to you the hard work, determination, and 
resourcefulness of your rescue services. 
 
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and 
the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. 
THOMAS