DHAKA, April 23, 2025 (BSS) - 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.

“A tragic incident like Rana Plaza was not considered a national issue. This incident should have brought fundamental changes to the country's safety culture and legal processes,” he told a discussion titled ‘Rana Plaza Collapse: A Decade Awaiting Justice’ at the National Press Club here today.

Ahmed said the collapse, one of the worst industrial accidents in history, should have prompted nationwide reforms in workplace safety and legal accountability. “Instead, justice remains delayed even after 12 years. We must treat this as a national priority and expedite legal proceedings and rehabilitation efforts,” he said.

Sultan Uddin stressed the need for medical assessments and specialized rehabilitation programs for survivors through collaboration with major hospitals.

Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) organized the event at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall to mark the 12th anniversary of the disaster.
Barrister Sara Hossain, a senior lawyer blamed lack of coordination among ministries, the judiciary, and relevant agencies for the prolonged delay in justice and proposed forming a monitoring committee to ensure accountability, compensation, and rehabilitation.

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 spsoke on the occasion.

On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza building in Savar collapsed, killing 1,138 garment workers and injuring 1,769 others. The owner of the building Sohel Rana was arrested while fleeing to India and remains in jail.

Nineteen   cases are still under trial.