Justice has remained elusive for 11 years as nineteen cases related to the Rana Plaza building collapse, including violations of building codes, workers’ safety, and compensation claims, are still pending in courts.
Among the accused are the owners of five factories, local government representatives, administration officers, and political activists.
The trial commenced against 37 individuals, with Sohel Rana being the only one in custody, 30 securing bail, and six remaining at large.
A murder case filed by Sheuly Akhter against Sohel Rana and the factory owners was merged with the homicide case.
Despite the Appellate Division setting a six-month deadline for trial completion, compliance seems unlikely, with the trial court’s progress questioned.
Sohel Rana, who has been in jail for 11 years, anticipates trial completion this year.
The Dhaka Additional Judicial Magistrate court is set to begin trials with prosecution witness depositions.
Charges for building code violations were framed against ten accused, excluding government servants.
Sohel Rana and others face 11 cases filed by the Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments, yet trial initiation remains pending due to absconding accused.
In response to a public interest litigation petition, the High Court issued a rule, directing ministries to explain why necessary actions weren’t taken and establish a compensation scheme.
A suo motu rule regarding compensation for Rana Plaza victims and legal actions against offenders has been pending for 11 years.
The High Court assigned a bench to hear the issue after previous rejections. The Labour Appellate Tribunal chairman assured disposal of 11 labor law-related cases without delay.
Rana Plaza survivors demand swift trials and exemplary punishments for offenders.
The eight-storey building at Savar, on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka, which housed five garment factories, collapsed on April 24, 2013, killing at least 1,138 people, mostly apparel workers, and injuring over 2,000.