Dhaka: Labour Reform Commission chief Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed today demanded that the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy be declared a national issue, calling for immediate compensation and rehabilitation for the victims.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed addressed a discussion titled ‘Rana Plaza Collapse: A Decade Awaiting Justice’ at the National Press Club. He emphasized that the Rana Plaza collapse, one of the worst industrial accidents in history, should have led to significant reforms in workplace safety and legal accountability across the nation. However, despite being 12 years since the incident, justice remains delayed. He urged that the tragedy be treated as a national priority to hasten legal proceedings and advance rehabilitation efforts.
Ahmed highlighted the importance of conducting medical assessments and establishing specialized rehabilitation programs for survivors, suggesting collaboration with major hospitals. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the disaster.
During the discussion, Barrister Sara Hossain, a senior lawyer, attributed the prolonged delay in justice to the lack of coordination among ministries, the judiciary, and relevant agencies. She proposed forming a monitoring committee to ensure accountability, compensation, and rehabilitation for the victims.
Additional Public Prosecutor Advocate Abul Kalam Khan, BLAST’s Legal Director Md. Barkat Ali, Labour Reform Commission member Taslima Akhter, Advocate AKM Nasim, lawyers Sharmin Sultana and Masum Billah, and Socialist Workers Front President Rajekuzzaman Ratan also spoke at the event.
The Rana Plaza building in Savar collapsed on April 24, 2013, resulting in the deaths of 1,138 garment workers and injuring 1,769 others. The building owner, Sohel Rana, was arrested while attempting to flee to India and remains in jail. Currently, nineteen cases related to the tragedy are still under trial.