Rana Plaza, an eight-story industrial complex on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, collapsed on April 24, killing 1,127 people. At least 3,500 workers were inside the building, which housed five garment factories, at the time. The tragedy was slammed as totally avoidable, with footage from a local television channel showing large cracks in walls. The building’s owner, Sohel Rana, was arrested attempting to flee the country and is now facing murder charges. Garment production is a burgeoning lifeline for Bangladeshi workers thanks to global brands sourcing apparel from inside the country. The industry accounts for 80% of Bangladesh’s exports and 40% of its industrial workforce. But activists have criticized these international companies for turning a blind eye to harsh working conditions and exploiting some of the lowest wages anywhere in the world. A new deal guaranteeing improved working conditions was signed with several major Western retailers in the wake of the tragedy.
MORE: Bangladesh: Eight Killed in Factory Fire; Collapse Toll Hits 1,000