By Mainul Islam Khan
DHAKA, Bangladesh
Bangladeshi investigators have on Monday begun criminal proceedings against the owner of the Rana Plaza factory complex, which collapsed in 2013, killing more than 1,100 people.
Local website bdnews24 reported on Monday that police filed two cases against Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana and 41 others under both the criminal code and building regulation laws.
The collapse of Rana Plaza, a multi-storied commercial complex that hosted at least five garment factories, was one of the worst industrial disasters in the global garment manufacturing industry.
Many of the 2,500 people saved during a three-week rescue effort were left with long term disabilities and psychological trauma that prevents them from returning to work.
The investigation report also accused 12 government officials and the mayor of Savar, the suburb of the capital Dhaka where the factory was located, for alleged negligence.
For decades Bangladesh has been a source of low-cost labor for international clothing brands, becoming the second biggest Ready Made Garments industry in the world.
Activists say that the low prices demanded by brands have meant critical compromises on worker rights and safety.
