Prosecution races for fast-track trial of Rana Plaza case

The government has placed the trial of the Rana Plaza collapse murder case at the highest level of priority, aiming for swift completion after 13 years of delay.

"Efforts are underway to expedite the proceedings to ensure justice in one of the country's most significant industrial disaster cases," said Public Prosecutor of Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court Iqbal Hossain.

The trial gained momentum after being transferred to the 8th Additional District Judge's Court on 12 October, 2025. Since then, the court has held multiple hearings.

Talking to BSS, Additional Public Prosecutor of Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court Mortoza Mohammad Antik said, "We have taken it as our top priority case and are trying our best to complete it as quickly as possible."

He, however, attributed the delays to procedural challenges, including a large number of listed witnesses.

A total of 594 witnesses is excessive and so far, 150 witnesses have testified, including the complainant, Sub-Inspector Wali Ashraf Khan, a Buet teacher, a magistrate and an engineer.

The court has also summoned key investigation officers, including the then senior assistant police superintendent of CID Bijoy Krishna Kar, to appear in court on 21 June next.

Another investigation officer, Sub-Inspector Shaheen Shah Parvez, has sought additional time citing health concerns.

The prosecution hoped that with continuous focus and cooperation from all parties, the long-delayed trial can be brought to a conclusion, ensuring justice for the victims of the Rana Plaza collapse.

Rana Plaza, an eight-storey building in Savar, collapsed on 24 April, 2013, killing 1,136 people and injuring around 1,000, mostly garment workers.

According to the case details, visible cracks had appeared in the building on 23 April, 2013.

Despite the risk, workers of four garment factories housed in the building were allegedly forced to return to work the following day.

Around 9:45am on 24 April, the building collapsed shortly after generators were switched on, triggering the catastrophe.

The case was filed the next day, 25 April, with Savar thana.

Following investigation, the CID submitted a charge sheet on 26 April, 2015, accusing building owner Sohel Rana and 40 others.

Charges against the accused were formally framed on 18 July, 2016.

Sohel Rana is currently in jail, while two of the accused have died, 13 are absconding, and 25 are on bail granted by the High Court.