Karwan Bazar

By late 19th century, it became notable as a marketplace for household products such as pottery and crockery. It is also one of the largest marketplaces in South Asia. As of 2002, the market had 1255 stores, out of which 55 were owned by the Dhaka City Corporation. On May 1, a fire completely destroyed 186 shops in Karwan Bazar, causing irrevocable loss to the shopkeepers. We shudder to think of the dire consequences had the fire broke out on any other day than May Day, when the shops were open and employees at work. The fire is a reminder of the danger of unsafe, makeshift structures made of bricks, wood and bamboo, with no provisions for fire safety. The respective authorities to ensure the minimum safety standards. This must be corrected immediately.

Walmart is one of only a few major retailers that have refused to sign on to the new safety standards after the Dhaka tragedy. The Tazreen Fashion factory fire killed 112 workers and left hundreds injured. The Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh killed 1,127 and left more than 600 or 700 injured for lifetime. Walmart store -- the world's largest retailer. It raised the ire of some labor advocates who have long criticized the retailer for low wages and importing goods from China rather than buying from U.S. manufacturers. And in that shareholder meeting, they haven't even expressed any condolence for those families.

Ted Rudow III, MA