A decade has passed since the devastating Rana Plaza collapse, and injured workers continue to struggle for compensation from the responsible authorities. Many of the injured have already died without receiving proper treatment, while others have resorted to begging.   

Some buyers, such as Walmart, which sourced garments from five RMG factories located within the plaza, have yet to contribute financially to the Trust Fund established to support the affected workers. Moreover, the trial regarding this tragic event remains unresolved.

On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza in Savar, Dhaka, housing five RMG factories, collapsed, resulting in the loss of 1,138 lives and leaving 2,500 others injured.

Over the past ten years, the Readymade Garments (RMG) sector has made strides in ensuring safer working conditions. The government has amended the Labour Law twice, enacted Labour Rules, and expanded the workforce of both the Department of Labour and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments. Additionally, safety committees have been formed to protect workers, and the number of trade unions has increased.

Despite these improvements, RMG workers continue to face safety concerns in their workplaces.

Mahmudul Hasan Hridoy, a wounded survivor and president of the Rana Plaza Survival Association, reported that 14 injured workers passed away without receiving treatment, while 12 others resorted to begging.

Furthermore, numerous injured individuals now endure challenging living conditions. Many workers have lost their ability to work, yet they have not received adequate compensation.

According to the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust and the Safety and Rights Society, neither the government nor other stakeholders have paid sufficient attention to the treatment and financial wellbeing of these workers.

Yanur Akhter, an injured worker, shared her experience, stating that she was only 13 years old when she worked at Rana Plaza. "My mother also worked there, and she was killed in the building collapse. Now, I am 23 years old. Both of my legs were amputated after being injured in the incident. I received a small amount of compensation, which was far from sufficient," she said.

Razia Begum, another victim, shared that she lost her left hand and both legs in the incident, as well as sustaining head injuries. She currently undergoes therapy three days a week at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Savar.

"So far, I have only received Tk 10,000 in assistance while I was in the hospital after the incident. I haven't been given any other support. I have now become a burden to my family," she said.

Lovely Akhter, who worked at New Wave Bottoms Ltd in the Rana Plaza, told the Daily Sun that she suffered severe injuries to her head and body.

"I was awarded Tk 50,000 in compensation through Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd. However, when I went to the bank to withdraw the money, they refused to give it to me. The bank authorities informed me that the government had reclaimed the funds," she said.

"I still experience pain in my head. I need better treatment, but I cannot afford it due to my financial situation," she added.

Amirul Haque Amin, president of the Jatiya Garments Sramik Federation, stated that 31 buyers sourced goods from the five RMG factories at Rana Plaza. Out of these, 19 provided financial assistance to the Trust Fund, which was established to support injured workers and the families of the deceased.

"However, 12 buyers, including Walmart, have yet to contribute any money," he said. Amin also mentioned that the government's financial aid for injured workers has been insufficient.

Regarding the ongoing trial, Justice Nizamul Haque Nasim, chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council, commented that it should have concluded long ago. He believes the trial should be expedited to ensure justice.

Wajedul Islam Khan, general secretary of the Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra and a member of the Trust Fund, mentioned that there is still money available in the fund. "If injured workers reach out, they will be provided assistance from the fund," he said.

Hazera Khatun, joint secretary of the Labour and Employment Ministry, emphasized that workers should receive proper compensation in accordance with the ILO convention.

She stated that the government is diligently working to protect workers' rights.

Belal Sheikh, director of the Department of Labour, confirmed that Rana Plaza workers were forced to work on the day of the incident. Regarding compensation, he asserted that injured workers should be granted adequate financial support.