Rana Plaza Owner Charged with Murder

Numerous concerns from workers about the safety of the building, alleging that it was a death trap, were ignored and now Bangladesh Police have charged the owner of the Rana Plaza complex with murder. Sohel Rana and more than a dozen government officials are among 42 people to face charges, they are accused of ignoring warnings not to allow workers into the building the day before it collapsed. Sohel Rana was arrested days after the disaster as he attempted to flee to India.

Not only did the disaster mark the worst day in the history of the garment trade, but it also prompted global criticism on the ethics of the industry – putting profit before people. Prosecutors stated that the seriousness of the disaster meant that the charges have been upgraded to murder. If convicted, defendants face the death penalty.

Image by Khorshed Alam Rinku

Eighteen people, including 17 of those charged with murder, have been charged with building code violation. The prosecution stated that Sohel Rana should now appoint a lawyer ahead of the trial process. A court hearing is due to take place on 28 June to decide further proceedings.

The government and the judicial system in Bangladesh have been severely criticized for the length of time it has taken with the investigation process. The garment trade is big business in Bangladesh and it is thought that the factory owners have been ‘unethically’ influential in government policy.

Image by Khorshed Alam Rinku

Investigators, however argue that they have had the enormous task of recording statements from over 1,000 people. Despite past incidents of life-threatening accidents in garment factories, such as fire, the Rana Plaza disaster is the first to bring those accountable to justice.