The Rana Plaza incident, which occurred on April 24, 2013, was a catastrophic building collapse in Savar, Bangladesh. The building housed several garment factories, and the incident resulted in the death of over 1,100 people and injured thousands of others. This tragic event brought significant attention to the working conditions and safety standards in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. A comparative analysis of the RMG industry before and after the Rana Plaza incident reveals several important changes and developments.

1) Safety and Building Standards:

• Before Rana Plaza: Prior to the incident, safety standards and building regulations in the RMG industry in Bangladesh were often inadequate. Many factories operated in buildings that were structurally unsound, lacked proper fire safety measures, and were overcrowded. Workers faced numerous hazards, such as inadequate fire exits, locked emergency exits, and poor electrical wiring.
• After Rana Plaza: The Rana Plaza disaster served as a wake-up call for the industry and prompted significant changes in safety and building standards. The Bangladeshi government, international organizations, and industry stakeholders took action to improve workplace safety. The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety were established, leading to the inspection and remediation of thousands of factories. The government also introduced new laws and regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards.

2) Worker Rights and Unionization:

• Before Rana Plaza: Workers' rights and the ability to unionize were often suppressed in the RMG industry. Many workers faced unsafe working conditions, low wages, long working hours, and limited or no access to social protections. Union activities were often met with resistance, and workers faced the risk of losing their jobs or facing other forms of retaliation.
• After Rana Plaza: The Rana Plaza incident drew global attention to the plight of workers in the RMG industry. There was an increased focus on workers' rights, fair wages, and the right to unionize. The tragedy spurred conversations about labor reforms and social responsibility within the industry. Efforts were made to strengthen workers' rights, improve labor laws, and increase collective bargaining power. Several international initiatives and organizations also supported workers' rights and unionization efforts in Bangladesh.

3) Transparency and Supply Chain Accountability:

• Before Rana Plaza: Supply chains in the RMG industry often lacked transparency, making it difficult for brands and consumers to track the origins of their garments. The complex supply chain structure often led to subcontracting, where factories outsourced production to smaller, less regulated facilities. This lack of transparency made it challenging to hold brands and manufacturers accountable for labor and safety standards.
• After Rana Plaza: The Rana Plaza incident prompted increased scrutiny and demand for transparency in the garment industry. Brands and retailers faced mounting pressure to ensure responsible sourcing practices and improve supply chain transparency. Initiatives such as the Bangladesh Accord and Alliance required participating brands to disclose their supplier factories and commit to remediation efforts. Consumers also became more aware and conscious of ethical and sustainable fashion, driving the demand for transparent and accountable supply chains.

The following table provides a comparative analysis of the RMG industry in Bangladesh before and after the Rana Plaza incident:

Overall, the Rana Plaza incident had a profound impact on the RMG industry in Bangladesh. It brought about significant changes in safety standards, worker rights, and supply chain transparency. While challenges remain, the incident served as a catalyst for positive reforms and raised global awareness about the need for ethical and responsible practices in the garment industry.