The Rana Plaza collapse, a tragic event that occurred in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013, resulted in the deaths of 1,134 people and injured approximately 2,500 others. The incident brought to light the deplorable working conditions and safety standards in the country’s garment industry. At the center of this tragedy was Sohel Rana, the owner of Rana Plaza. This article delves into the role of Sohel Rana in the Rana Plaza collapse, shedding light on his actions and the consequences he faced.
Key Facts
- Sohel Rana is a Bangladeshi businessman and a leader of the Jubo League, which is the youth wing of the Bangladesh Awami League political party.
- Rana Plaza was built in 2006 by Sohel Rana and his father Abdul Khalek.
- The building housed several garment factories, shops, and a bank, employing around 5,000 people.
- Rana and his father reportedly bullied off co-owners and falsified deeds to acquire full possession of the building.
- Rana obtained permits from political allies to expand the building to five floors.
- On April 23, 2013, an engineer observed large cracks in supporting columns of the building and urged everyone to evacuate, but Rana and the factory owners urged workers to return the next day.
- On April 24, 2013, the building collapsed, resulting in the death of 1,134 people and injuring an estimated 2,500 others.
- Sohel Rana was arrested on April 28, 2013, by the Rapid Action Battalion.
- Rana was sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison in August 2017 for failing to declare his wealth to Bangladesh’s anti-graft commission.
- Rana, his parents, and 34 others were charged with causing the deaths of the workers, and the murder trial resumed in February 2022.
Background of Sohel Rana
Sohel Rana, a Bangladeshi businessman and a prominent figure in the Jubo League, the youth wing of the Bangladesh Awami League political party, played a pivotal role in the construction and management of Rana Plaza. In 2006, Rana and his father, Abdul Khalek, constructed Rana Plaza, which housed several garment factories, shops, and a bank, employing around 5,000 individuals.
Rana Plaza: A Building of Controversy
The construction of Rana Plaza was marred by allegations of corruption and illegal practices. Rana and his father reportedly employed intimidation tactics to acquire full ownership of the building, bullying co-owners and falsifying deeds. Furthermore, Rana obtained permits from political allies to expand the building to five floors, despite concerns raised by engineers and safety experts.
The Collapse of Rana Plaza
On April 23, 2013, an engineer noticed significant cracks in the supporting columns of Rana Plaza and urged the evacuation of the building. However, Rana and the factory owners disregarded these warnings and instructed workers to return to work the following day. Tragically, on April 24, 2013, the building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people and leaving thousands more injured.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following the collapse, Sohel Rana was arrested on April 28, 2013, by the Rapid Action Battalion. He faced charges of murder, corruption, and violating building codes. In August 2017, Rana was sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison for failing to declare his wealth to Bangladesh’s anti-graft commission. The murder trial, involving Rana, his parents, and 34 others, resumed in February 2022, with the potential for the death penalty if found responsible for the deaths of the workers.
Conclusion
The Rana Plaza collapse stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence, corruption, and the disregard for worker safety. Sohel Rana, as the owner of Rana Plaza, bears significant responsibility for the tragedy. His actions, from the construction of the building to ignoring warnings of structural issues, contributed to the devastating collapse. The ongoing legal proceedings against Rana and others involved in the incident aim to ensure accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
References
- “Rana Plaza collapse.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 November 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rana_Plaza_collapse.
- “Sohel Rana (businessman).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 November 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sohel_Rana_(businessman).
- “Bail of Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana decried.” New Age, www.newagebd.net/article/198904/bail-of-rana-plaza-owner-sohel-rana-decried.
FAQs
Who is Sohel Rana?
Sohel Rana is a Bangladeshi businessman and a prominent figure in the Jubo League, the youth wing of the Bangladesh Awami League political party. He is the owner of Rana Plaza, a building that collapsed in 2013, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people.
What was Sohel Rana’s role in the Rana Plaza collapse?
Sohel Rana was the owner of Rana Plaza and was responsible for its construction and management. He allegedly employed intimidation tactics to acquire full ownership of the building and obtained permits from political allies to expand the building despite safety concerns.
What happened on the day of the Rana Plaza collapse?
On April 23, 2013, an engineer noticed significant cracks in the supporting columns of Rana Plaza and urged the evacuation of the building. However, Rana and the factory owners disregarded these warnings and instructed workers to return to work the following day. On April 24, 2013, the building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people and leaving thousands more injured.
What legal consequences did Sohel Rana face?
Sohel Rana was arrested on April 28, 2013, by the Rapid Action Battalion and faced charges of murder, corruption, and violating building codes. In August 2017, he was sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison for failing to declare his wealth to Bangladesh’s anti-graft commission. The murder trial, involving Rana, his parents, and 34 others, resumed in February 2022, with the potential for the death penalty if found responsible for the deaths of the workers.
What was the impact of the Rana Plaza collapse?
The Rana Plaza collapse brought to light the deplorable working conditions and safety standards in Bangladesh’s garment industry. It led to widespread protests and calls for better safety measures and workers’ rights. The collapse also prompted international attention and pressure on global brands and retailers to ensure ethical and safe working conditions in their supply chains.
What changes have been made in the garment industry since the Rana Plaza collapse?
Following the Rana Plaza collapse, several initiatives have been undertaken to improve safety standards and working conditions in the garment industry. These include the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, a legally binding agreement between brands, retailers, and unions to improve safety standards in Bangladesh’s garment factories, and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, a similar initiative focused on improving workplace safety.
What are the ongoing challenges in ensuring worker safety in the garment industry?
Despite the progress made since the Rana Plaza collapse, challenges remain in ensuring worker safety in the garment industry. These include the need for continued monitoring and enforcement of safety standards, addressing the issue of low wages and precarious work, and promoting workers’ rights and collective bargaining.
What can consumers do to support worker safety in the garment industry?
Consumers can play a role in supporting worker safety in the garment industry by making informed choices about the brands they purchase from. They can look for brands that are transparent about their supply chains, have strong ethical and sustainability policies, and support initiatives aimed at improving worker safety and rights.