Savar, Apr 24 (V7N) — Today marks 13 years since the deadliest industrial disaster in Bangladesh’s history, yet justice for the victims of the Rana Plaza collapse remains uncertain.

Tragedy that shocked the world

On April 24, 2013, the multi-story building in Savar collapsed, killing 1,136 garment workers and injuring thousands. The disaster exposed serious flaws in workplace safety within Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector and drew global attention.

Trial faces prolonged delays

Despite evidence of negligence:

  • In 2015, the CID filed charges against 41 individuals, including building owner Sohel Rana

  • The trial began in 2016 in a Dhaka court

  • Proceedings were delayed multiple times due to legal challenges in higher courts until 2022

Out of 594 listed witnesses, only 145 have testified so far. Authorities have struggled to produce key witnesses, slowing progress significantly.

Even after the Supreme Court of Bangladesh ordered in January 2024 to complete the trial within six months, the directive has not been effectively implemented.

Uncertainty persists

The next hearing is scheduled for April 30. Legal experts say the case will only move forward if the prosecution can ensure the presence of witnesses.

Meanwhile, the defense continues to claim that Sohel Rana has been wrongfully detained.

Victims’ families demand justice

Relatives of the Dead workers, injured survivors, labor leaders, and members of the industrial police paid tribute at a temporary memorial in Savar.

They demanded:

  • Justice and maximum punishment for those responsible

  • Compensation for victims and their families

Commemorations and protests

Marking the anniversary, labor organizations held:

  • Protest marches

  • Human chains near the site

Outlook

More than a decade after the tragedy, the Rana Plaza case remains a symbol of delayed justice, with victims’ families still waiting for accountability and closure.

END/SMA/AJ