The government of Bangladesh has intensified efforts to speed up the long-pending trial of the Rana Plaza collapse case, placing it under top priority for fast-track disposal after more than a decade of delay.
Public prosecutors said steps are being taken to ensure the swift conclusion of one of the country’s most significant industrial disaster cases. According to Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court Public Prosecutor Iqbal Hossain, the authorities are working to expedite proceedings so that justice can be delivered without further unnecessary delay.
The trial gained renewed momentum after being transferred to the 8th Additional District Judge’s Court on 12 October 2025. Since the transfer, the court has conducted multiple hearings as part of efforts to advance the case.
Additional Public Prosecutor Mortoza Mohammad Antik said the case has been treated as a top priority and the prosecution is making continuous efforts to complete proceedings as quickly as possible. However, he noted that procedural complexities have slowed progress, particularly due to the large number of witnesses involved.
The case includes a total of 594 witnesses, of whom around 150 have already testified. These include the complainant, law enforcement officials, technical experts from BUET, magistrates, and engineers who contributed to the investigation and evidence collection.
The court has also summoned key investigation officers, including former CID senior assistant police super Bijoy Krishna Kar, who is scheduled to appear on 21 June. Another investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Shaheen Shah Parvez, has requested additional time citing health concerns.
Prosecutors expressed hope that with continued hearings and cooperation from all parties, the long-delayed case could finally reach a conclusion, offering closure to victims and their families.
The Rana Plaza tragedy occurred on 24 April 2013, when an eight-storey building in Savar collapsed, killing 1,136 people and injuring around 1,000, mostly garment workers. Despite visible cracks appearing a day earlier, workers were reportedly forced to return to work before the collapse, which was triggered shortly after generators were switched on that morning.
The case was filed on 25 April 2013, and the Criminal Investigation Department submitted the charge sheet in 2015, accusing building owner Sohel Rana and 40 others. Charges were formally framed in 2016. Of the accused, Sohel Rana remains in custody, two have died, 13 remain absconding, and 25 are currently on bail granted by the High Court.
