Concert in Dhaka tomorrow for Savar victims

Maya Foundation, a Canadian charity, will organise a concert in Dhaka tomorrow to raise funds for the survivors and the families of the victims of Rana Plaza building collapse.“We want to help the survivors of Rana Plaza tragedy get back on their feet,” said Tanvir Siddiqui, executive director of the charity.The funds will be used for income generating activities so that the survivors and the families of the deceased become financially independent on their own source of incomes, he said.The nine-storey building that had housed five garment factories and many shops caved in on April 24, killing at least 1,132 people, mostly garment workers.The army with the help of local people and fire brigade rescued 2,438 people alive from the rubble, according to official data.Maya Foundation, an initiative of the Bangladeshis living in Toronto, also arranged a concert — Made in Bangladesh — in Canada on July 6.“I have tried my best to raise funds for these people who are really in need than anyone else,” said Siddiqui, who is involved in garment business in Canada and has buying house in Bangladesh.The charity has so far provided between Tk 10,000 and Tk 30,000 to 52 survivors each.Siddiqui said the survivors of the worst-ever industrial tragedy in the country are still recovering from the physical injuries and psychological trauma.“Still, most of these people have not received the help they need,” he said.The Foundation is also campaigning globally to encourage international community to donate for the victims’ families and the survivors.Siddiqui said donations from individuals and organisations from all over the world have poured in to help the survivors and the families of the victims.The funds to be raised through the concert will be provided directly to Shakti Foundation, an NGO in Bangladesh, for the rehabilitation of the workers and other individuals disabled in the Savar tragedy.Donations can also be sent using international credit cards at www.gofundme.com/Savar.