Rana Plaza Collapse: 11 Years Later, Survivors Still Seek Justice and Compensation

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Savar, Bangladesh, which claimed the lives of over 1,100 garment workers and left approximately 2,500 others injured on April 24, 2013. Survivors, relatives of the victims, and labor organizations gathered at the site to honor the lives lost and renew their calls for justice and adequate compensation.

The Rana Plaza tragedy remains one of the most fatal industrial disasters in history, highlighting the poor working conditions and lack of safety standards in the global garment industry. Eleven years later, many survivors continue to struggle with the aftermath of the incident, facing physical disabilities, financial hardships, and difficulties finding employment.

Parul Begum, a former employee of Phantom Apparels Ltd, sustained severe injuries and kidney damage in the collapse, making it challenging for her to hold a steady job. Her husband, Yasin Hossain, also suffered injuries and was unable to work for nearly four years. A study found that 54.5% of injured workers remain unemployed, with 89% jobless for 5-8 years due to their disabilities. "Many of the injured workers require lifelong medication and support," labor leaders stressed.

Survivors and labor organizations have put forth a seven-point demand, including identifying all responsible parties, ensuring maximum punishment for the perpetrators, revising compensation laws, providing financial support and lifetime income compensation to affected families, comprehensive long-term treatment and rehabilitation for the injured, building a permanent monument at the site, establishing an emergency fund for workers, and designating April 24 as a national day of mourning and safety.

Why this matters: The Rana Plaza collapse serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of fast fashion and the urgent need for systemic change in the global garment industry. The ongoing struggles of survivors and the slow progress in delivering justice and compensation underscore the importance of holding brands accountable and pushing for reforms to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

Despite some progress, such as the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Accord, many garment workers in the country still face poor working conditions and low wages. The quest for justice also remains elusive, with the trial in the murder case filed over the incident yet to be completed after 11 years, pleas for justice unheeded. Only 84 out of 594 witnesses have been deposed so far, and the process has been stalled due to a stay order from the High Court in favor of several accused.

Survivors and family members of the victims expressed their frustration and disappointment over the slow progress of the case and the lack of adequate compensation. "Our demands have not been met even after 11 years," said Taslima Akhter, a union leader. The plight of the injured workers who have not received proper rehabilitation or financial support continues to be

Key Takeaways

• 11th anniversary of Rana Plaza collapse, 1,100+ killed, 2,500+ injured
• Survivors struggle with disabilities, unemployment, lack of compensation
• Survivors demand justice, accountability, compensation, and safety reforms
• Slow progress in trial, only 84 of 594 witnesses deposed after 11 years
• Rana Plaza tragedy highlights need for systemic change in garment industry