Smrity Katha o Kotha
Organized by Bangladesh Garment Sromik Samhati
Coordinated & Curated by Taslima Akhter & Robin Berson
In 2018, five years after the tragedy of Rana Plaza, Bangladesh Garment Sromik Samhati marked the anniversary with an exhibition titled “Smriti Katha O Kotha” (Memorial Quilt & Text), held at the very site of the collapse. The exhibition included five handcrafted kathas (quilts), two of which are shown here. These quilts were stitched by women who lost family members in the collapse. Made from old saris, gamchhas, and preserved clothing of the deceased, the quilts carry sewn-in photographs, embroidered verses, and handkerchiefs bearing words of grief and remembrance.
These quilts honour those who lost their lives in Rana Plaza, but also demand justice, accountability, and a life of dignity for the workers who continue to labour under exploitative conditions.
In 2023, a massive movement took place demanding a minimum wage of 25,000 taka (less than $225) for garment workers. Four workers were killed during the protests. The minimum wage was ultimately set at 12,500 taka (less than $110).