Today marks 13 years since the Rana Plaza collapse -- one of the deadliest industrial disasters in modern history -- a tragedy that continues to haunt Bangladesh, with survivors living with lasting trauma and families still waiting for justice as the trial drags on.
Hammer in one hand, sickle in the other -- symbols of lives shaped by labour.
On April 24, 2013, that reality turned into one of Bangladesh’s darkest tragedies when the multi-storey Rana Plaza building in Savar collapsed, killing 1,136 people and injuring thousands more.
Thirteen years later, many survivors still live with permanent disabilities, while families continue to carry the weight of loss -- amid a trial that has yet to reach a conclusion.
The murder case linked to the collapse remains stalled, with proceedings slowed by incomplete witness testimony.
Of the 594 listed witnesses, only 145 have testified so far, while repeated absences have delayed hearings over the years.
The case is currently being heard at Dhaka’s 8th Additional District and Sessions Judge’s Court, with the next date for testimony set for April 30.
Prosecutors say efforts are ongoing to speed up proceedings, but there is no clear timeline for a verdict.
Morning of collapse
Rana Plaza stood near Savar bus stand along the Dhaka-Aricha highway, housing shops and bank branches on lower floors and several garment factories above, including New Wave Bottoms, Phantom Tack and Ethertex.
On the morning of the collapse, around 3,000 workers entered the building as usual. Work began at 8am.
Within 90 minutes, at around 9:30am, the structure gave way with a thunderous roar, trapping thousands under layers of concrete and steel.
Cracks had been reported in the building the day before.
Workers initially fled in fear, but many returned after being reassured there was no major risk.
Within hours, those assurances proved tragically misplaced.
A field of grief
Rescue efforts began almost immediately, first by local residents and later joined by the army, fire service, police and other agencies in one of the largest rescue operations in the country’s history.
For 17 days, bodies and survivors were pulled from the rubble.
The grounds of Adhar Chandra High School became a temporary morgue.
Ambulances arrived day and night as families gathered, searching for loved ones.
“I used to play in that field,” said Abdus Salam, who was a student at the time.
“After the collapse, bodies were laid out in rows. It still gives me chills.”
In total, 1,136 bodies were recovered, while 2,438 people were rescued with injuries -- many of them life-altering.
Lives still on hold
For survivors, the disaster did not end with rescue.
Ayesha Akhtar, who was trapped under debris for 11 hours, now lives with permanent disabilities.
“I cannot work anymore. I struggle to survive, and I still cannot afford proper treatment,” she said.
For families like Rokeya Begum’s, the loss reshaped entire lives.
After losing her daughter, she now raises her granddaughter, still waiting for meaningful support and accountability.
Trial without closure
The legal process has moved slowly over the years.
Of the accused, three have died, leaving 41 still facing charges.
Thirteen remain absconding, while 25 are on bail. Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana remains in custody.
Officials cite multiple reasons for delays, including the absence of key witnesses, changes within law enforcement, and earlier legal challenges that stalled proceedings for years.
Parallel cases related to structural violations and alleged corruption also remain pending.
More than a decade on, none of the victims or their families has received formal compensation through the trial process.
From site to symbol
In the weeks following the collapse, labour organisations erected a temporary memorial at the site, naming it “Protest-Resistance.”
Since then, Rana Plaza has become more than a location -- it stands as a symbol of workers’ rights, industrial safety and the cost of neglect.
Today, the site itself remains largely abandoned, overgrown and quiet for most of the year.
But every April 24, it fills again -- with mourning, remembrance and renewed calls for justice.
A tragedy that endures
The Rana Plaza collapse exposed deep flaws in industrial safety and labour protections, drawing global attention to Bangladesh’s garment sector.
Thirteen years later, the physical debris may be gone, but the human cost remains.
For survivors and families, the anniversary is not just a remembrance -- it is a reminder that justice delayed continues to be justice denied.