The collapse of Rana Plaza, a multi-storey building housing several garment factories in Dhaka, marked one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history. Scheduled for demolition just before the disaster, the building was filled with workers when it unexpectedly crumbled. Witnesses reported loud cracking noises before it fell, which many had attributed to the illegal construction practices being followed, as multiple additional floors were added to the structure without proper oversight. The aftermath saw rescue operations mobilized quickly, with thousands of local citizens, firefighters, police, and army personnel working tirelessly to save those trapped in the debris over several days. The disaster highlighted the unsafe working conditions many laborers faced in the Bangladesh garment sector, which is one of the largest globally and relied heavily on exports to Western markets.

As a direct consequence of the tragedy, both local and international stakeholders began re-evaluating workplace safety regulations and labor rights within the garment industry. The response from the global community was swift, with numerous advocacy groups placing pressure on companies to take responsibility for their supply chains. Many brands were called out for their complicity in supporting unsafe labor practices by outsourcing production to cuts-cost manufacturers without adequate safety measures. This crisis has led to significant reforms in labor laws and factory safety standards in Bangladesh, though challenges remain to ensure long-term compliance and protections for workers.