11 Years After Rana Plaza Tragedy, Garment Workers in Bangladesh Still Face Poor Conditions

On the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh, which claimed the lives of 1,138 workers and injured over 2,500 more on April 24, 2013, garment workers in the country continue to face poor working conditions and job insecurity. Despite some reforms introduced in the aftermath of the deadliest industrial accident in Bangladesh's history, violations persist, leaving workers vulnerable and exploited.

Members of the Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation (SGSF) held a human chain protest at the site in Savar, demanding fair compensation for the workers disabled in the tragedy and presenting a 12-point list of demands. These include maximum punishment for the Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana and other defendants, treatment and rehabilitation for injured workers, employment opportunities, education for victims' children, and the signing of the ACCORD agreement by all buyers and brands. The workers also called for the right to form trade unions, social security, maternity leave, and protection against violence and sexual harassment.

While global initiatives like the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety have made over 1,600 factories safer for more than 2.5 million workers, issues such as poor working conditions, overwork, underpay, and lack of job security remain prevalent. The recent minimum wage protests saw violent clashes between workers and security forces, leaving many workers worse off, with some losing their jobs and others facing criminal charges. Major brands like H&M, Inditex, and Next have been linked to these trumped-up legal cases against workers and union leaders but have done little to ensure the withdrawal of these baseless complaints.

Why this matters: The Rana Plaza tragedy exposed the deadly consequences of prioritizing profit over worker safety in the global garment industry. As consumers continue to demand fast fashion at low prices, it is imperative to hold international brands accountable for their supply chains and push for systemic change to ensure that garment workers worldwide are treated with dignity and respect.

Afroza Begum, a survivor of the Rana Plaza collapse, has been living with the consequences of the disaster for the past 11 years. She expressed her frustration, stating, "We are still living in poor conditions and have not received proper compensation or justice. The cases against the culprits are stuck in an endless legal loop, and we are tired of waiting for progress." Labor leaders echoed these sentiments, warning that if workers' demands are not met, it may not be possible for them to sustain in the industry. As the global community marks this somber anniversary, the fight for justice and better working conditions for Bangladesh's garment workers continues.

Key Takeaways

• Rana Plaza collapse killed 1,138 workers, but poor conditions persist in Bangladesh garment industry.
• Workers demand fair compensation, punishment for culprits, and better rights like unions, maternity leave.
• Initiatives like Bangladesh Accord improved safety, but issues like low pay, job insecurity remain prevalent.
• Workers face violence, job loss, and criminal charges for protesting poor conditions and low wages.
• Survivors still await justice and proper compensation 11 years after the Rana Plaza tragedy.