Bangla suspends opposition mayor for worst building collapse

The mayor of main opposition BNP-led suburban Savar municipality was today suspended for failing to prevent the worst building collapse in Bangladesh that killed at least 429 people.
"Mayor of Savar Mohammad Refatullah has bee suspended as he took no action after cracks were reported in the Rana Plaza... He has been asked to explain about his role responding to the allegations brought against him," a local government ministry spokesman told PTI.
The spokesman said the action was taken as eight-storey Rana Plaza was built with the permission of his office while it took no initiative to prevent the possible tragedy after cracks were reported two days ahead of its collapse on April 24.

He was also issued a show cause notice to explain his position regarding the allegations.
Refatullah is a local leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of ex-premier Khaleda Zia who harshly criticised her arch-rival Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government for the tragedy.
Police earlier arrested owner of the building Sohel Rana and owners of the five garments units housed in the structure for apparently forcing workers to join the production line despite its exposure to the fatal collapse.

Rana is now being quizzed on a 15-day police remand while he was charged for violating the building code and causing the loss of lives and injuries.

The development came as rescuers continued the salvage campaign for the ninth straight day. Commander of the campaign Major General Chowdhury Hassan Sarwardy said they estimated some 150 bodies could still be found inside the debris under the rubble as they were still "missing".
"The exact number of the missing people, however, will be known after getting a BGMEA (Garments Manufacturers Association) list of workers with whom the building caved in ... We await their list," he said.
The second phase of the salvage operation using heavy cranes entered the fourth day today. During the first phase, rescuers tried to save those trapped under debris.

So far, 2,437 people were rescued alive.