Politics & Government
Sat, February 14, 2026
Fri, February 13, 2026
Thu, February 12, 2026
Bangladesh Building Collapse: A Recurring Tragedy
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Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 7:27 GMT by 
KIRO-TVLocales: Khulna Division, BANGLADESH
A Pattern of Disaster: Bangladesh's Building Safety Crisis
This isn't an isolated event. The Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, which killed over 1,100 garment workers, remains a horrific reminder of the dangers inherent in Bangladesh's construction industry. That disaster led to some improvements in factory safety, particularly within the garment sector due to international pressure and agreements like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety. However, these improvements haven't consistently extended to all types of construction, particularly residential and commercial buildings like the one that collapsed in Rupganj.
Experts point to a complex web of factors contributing to the ongoing crisis. Corruption within local government allows developers to bypass regulations and secure approvals for substandard constructions. A lack of qualified building inspectors and a weak regulatory framework further exacerbate the problem. The rapid urbanization and population density in cities like Dhaka also create immense pressure on construction standards, as developers prioritize speed and cost over safety.
"The problem isn't just about building codes," explains Dr. Aminul Islam, a structural engineer at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). "It's about enforcement. We have decent building codes on paper, but they are rarely followed in practice. There needs to be greater accountability for developers, architects, and government officials who compromise safety."
Investigation and Accountability
District Administrator Parish has promised a thorough investigation into the Rupganj collapse, with assurances that those responsible will be held accountable. However, past investigations have often yielded limited results, with few convictions and minimal penalties imposed on those found guilty of negligence. This lack of accountability perpetuates a culture of impunity and incentivizes further violations of building codes.
The government faces mounting pressure to address the systemic issues that contribute to these tragedies. Calls are growing for independent audits of existing buildings, stricter enforcement of building codes, and increased investment in training for building inspectors and construction workers. Furthermore, there is a need for greater transparency in the approval process for construction projects, ensuring that all developments meet safety standards.
As rescue workers continue their desperate search in Rupganj, the focus is shifting towards providing support for the victims and their families. But beyond the immediate crisis, the incident serves as a stark warning - a reminder that until fundamental changes are made to the way buildings are constructed and regulated in Bangladesh, tragedies like this will continue to occur. The investigation must lead to real, lasting change, not just empty promises.
Read the Full KIRO-TV Article at:
[ https://www.kiro7.com/news/world/bangladesh/XONAY6SH2M36XC3Z534V65FMQU/ ]
