Thirteen years on, survivors, families of Rana Plaza victims remain without justice

Survivors who lost limbs and families who lost breadwinners say they are still struggling to survive without proper compensation

On the eve of the 13th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse, survivors and families have renewed their demands for justice and adequate compensation.

Gathering at the site of the collapse on Thursday evening, they lit candles at the memorial altar to honour the 1,175 workers killed on Apr 24, 2013.

For those who survived the rubble but lost limbs or livelihoods, the milestone serves as a bitter reminder of a decade-long struggle for basic rights.

For many survivors, the anniversary is not just a day of remembrance but a testament to their ongoing destitution.

Sumi Akter, who lost her left leg when the eight-story complex came crashing down, spoke of a life of mounting hardship.

“I have lost my leg and I can no longer work,” she said.

“I have not received proper compensation even after all these years. I am struggling to raise my child. We are asking for treatment, rehabilitation, and the trial of those responsible.”

The sentiment was shared by Rubi Begum, a mother who lost two children in the rubble.

Having never recovered their remains, she continues to return to the site in mourning.

“My husband died years ago, and with no children to support me, I have been forced to beg for a living,” she said.

Labour leaders joining the vigil expressed deep frustration over the legal stalemate surrounding building owner Sohel Rana and the factory management.

They noted that despite the scale of the disaster, the judicial process has yet to reach a final verdict.

They also demanded state acquisition of the Rana Plaza land to facilitate the rehabilitation of injured workers.

Khairul Alam Mintu, a leader of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, highlighted that successive governments have offered "assurances rather than action".

“We are looking toward the current government with hope. The wait for fair compensation and a verdict has now stretched to 13 years -- this must end.”