On April 24, 2013, the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, sent shockwaves around the world. The building housed several garment factories, producing clothes for international brands, and when it came crashing down, it left over 1,100 dead and thousands more injured. While the media focused on the devastation, the true heart of the story lies in the survivors — those who were trapped beneath the rubble for hours, days, or even weeks before being rescued. Their stories of pain, perseverance, and hope shed light on the human cost of the global fashion industry. In the years since the collapse, many of these survivors have faced a long road to recovery, their lives forever changed by that single day.

Here is the image representing the resilience of a garment factory worker in Bangladesh, reflecting on the Rana Plaza collapse and her journey toward recovery and advocacy for better conditions. The scene captures both the destruction and the strength of the survivors as they continue to push for change.

Trapped Beneath the Rubble: A Fight for Survival

Shahana Begum, a 26-year-old seamstress, remembers the warning signs. The day before the collapse, cracks had appeared in the walls of the building. Many workers, like Shahana, were scared to enter, but they were given no choice. Factory managers told them that if they didn’t come to work, they would lose their jobs. The following day, as Shahana sat at her sewing machine, the building began to shake, and within seconds, the floor gave way beneath her feet.

Shahana was buried in the rubble for 17 hours. In the darkness, she could hear the cries of her coworkers, some nearby and others fading as time passed. The heat, the dust, and the suffocating weight of the concrete crushed her body and her spirit. When rescuers finally pulled her from the wreckage, she was alive, but her legs were severely injured, and her future uncertain.

Another survivor, Alamgir Hossain, recalls being trapped for more than two days. “I didn’t know if I would make it out alive,” he said. “I prayed for my family, for my children. I wanted to see them one more time.” His hand was pinned under a beam, and he suffered from severe dehydration. Alamgir’s story, like so many others, is one of miraculous survival, but also of unimaginable trauma.

The Long Road to Recovery

For many survivors, the collapse was just the beginning of their struggles. Physical injuries — from broken limbs to spinal damage — left many unable to work again. Shahana, who underwent multiple surgeries to save her legs, now walks with a limp. Once a skilled seamstress, she is no longer able to work in the fast-paced, physically demanding environment of a garment factory. She receives a small amount of compensation, but it is not enough to support her family, and finding alternative employment has proven difficult.

For others, the emotional scars have been just as deep. Alamgir, though physically recovered, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He often has flashbacks to those terrifying hours beneath the rubble, waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. “I can still hear the cries,” he says. “I can still feel the weight of the concrete pressing down on me.” Counseling and mental health support are limited in Bangladesh, and many survivors like Alamgir are left to cope with their trauma alone.

Progress and Ongoing Challenges in Worker Rights

In the aftermath of the disaster, international pressure led to significant reforms in Bangladesh’s garment industry. The Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety was signed by major global brands and aimed to improve working conditions and prevent future tragedies. Thousands of factories have since been inspected, and many unsafe buildings have been closed or retrofitted. Some survivors, like Shahana, are grateful that their suffering led to these changes, but they also know that much more needs to be done.

Despite these improvements, many garment workers in Bangladesh continue to face dangerous working conditions. The pressure to produce clothing quickly and cheaply means that corners are often cut, and worker safety is not always the priority it should be. Low wages remain a major issue. The average garment worker in Bangladesh earns around $100 per month, barely enough to cover basic living expenses. For survivors like Alamgir, who can no longer work, the lack of a social safety net means they are often left to fend for themselves.

Moreover, the factories have simply shifted to new areas. While efforts to improve safety in Dhaka have been somewhat successful, new garment hubs are emerging in places like Chittagong and Gazipur, where regulation is even more lax, and working conditions remain dire. As demand for fast fashion continues to grow globally, these new factories are filling the gap, but at the expense of worker rights and safety.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Rise of Worker Activism

One positive outcome of the Rana Plaza tragedy has been the rise of worker activism in Bangladesh. Survivors like Shahana have become vocal advocates for labor rights, speaking out against the exploitation that still pervades the industry. Many survivors have joined worker unions and labor organizations, pushing for higher wages, better safety measures, and the right to organize.

There are signs of progress. In 2018, a wave of strikes swept through Bangladesh’s garment industry as workers demanded higher pay and safer conditions. Though met with resistance from factory owners, the strikes highlighted the growing power of workers in an industry that has long exploited them. Survivors of Rana Plaza are often at the forefront of these movements, determined to ensure that no one else has to endure the pain and suffering they have experienced.

What Still Needs to Change

Despite these positive developments, much remains to be done. Survivors continue to struggle, both physically and emotionally, and the garment industry in Bangladesh still faces significant challenges. Workers need fair wages, safer conditions, and the ability to voice their concerns without fear of losing their jobs.

The global fashion industry also has a role to play. International brands must commit to ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that the workers who make their clothing are treated with dignity and respect. Consumers, too, can make a difference by choosing to support brands that prioritize worker rights and sustainability over profit.

Conclusion: The Resilience of the Human Spirit

The Rana Plaza disaster was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, but the stories of its survivors also highlight the resilience of the human spirit. Shahana, Alamgir, and countless others have faced challenges that most of us can barely imagine, yet they continue to fight for a better future — for themselves, for their families, and for the millions of garment workers across Bangladesh.

Their voices from the rubble serve as a reminder that while progress has been made, the fight for worker rights and safety is far from over. If we are to truly honor the memory of those who perished in Rana Plaza, we must listen to the survivors and continue to push for lasting change in an industry that has too often put profit over people.