It was 7 years ago on this day (24 April 2013) that Bangladesh witnessed one of its worst industrial disasters! The tragic Rana Plaza building collapse that killed at least 1,136 people, left more than 2,500 injured, and several crippled.
This incident along with that of Tazreen fire incident in 2012, many believe, to a great extent has been responsible for Bangladesh’s transformation, including worker and workplace safety, that in coming days would stamp Bangladesh’s global dominance in apparel manufacturing and exports, making it the second biggest garment exporter in the world.
Sadly though, even after 7 years of Rana Plaza disaster, allegations of justice still eluding the victims, continue.
The prosecutors say the trial has been stalled due to stay orders issued by the High Court in 2016, while the defence blames the prosecution for the delay.
“We could not start the trial as the High Court had stayed the proceedings. We have written to the Attorney General’s office seeking its intervention on the issue,” said Public Prosecutor Khondaker Abdul Mannan speaking to the media while Faruk Ahamed, who represents the owner of the building, Sohel Rana, on his part maintained, “It’s us who want the trial to take off as my client is in jail pending trial. The prosecution is delaying it.”
Even as the tug of war continues, one can hope that law would take its own course and justice delivered to the victims soon, so as to bring a permanent closure to this sad chapter in Bangladesh’s garment manufacturing history, once and for ever.
