Bangladeshi clothing factories are extremely unsafe. 500 workers have died in fires, which have been attributed to basic fire safety items such as fire escapes and sprinklers being absent from the buildings, and companies padlocking the exits to stop theft. Workers are paid very little and have no rights.
Kalpona Akter, a Bangladeshi labor activist, has courageously dedicated her life to fight for workers' rights. She has experience in the factories, sewing clothes for American brands from the time she was twelve-years-old.
Unfortunately, garment company owners have a lot of power in the government.
In 2010, Akter was put in jail and severely beaten after she led a campaign to get more protection from the fires. Although she was released, she now has seven remaining criminal charges, which can lead to strict punishment and long jail time.
Please tell the Bangladesh government to drop the charges against Kalpona Akter. No one should be punished for fighting for human rights.
Please drop all charges against Kalpona Akter. She should not be punished by the government for fighting for human rights and wanting workers to be able to go to work without fearing for their lives.
Although garment companies have a lot of political influence, it shouldn't take a call from them to get the charges dropped against Akter. Do what is right and stand up for human rights instead of greed.
