On 24 April 2013, the eight-story Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed. Most of those in the building were garment workers, employed by the five clothing factories it housed. 1,134 people died and more than 2,500, mostly women and children, were injured. There had been multiple warnings that the building was unsafe but employees were forced to go to work regardless. As the world marks the 10th anniversary of the disaster – we ask, what’s changed when it comes to fast fashion and the people who make it?

A University of Aberdeen podcast, in this episode of ‘Inside the Headlines’ we hear from Professor Muhammad Azizul Islam chair in accountancy at the University’s Business School; Professor Pamela Abbott, chair in education and director of the Centre for Global Development; and Fiona Gooch, senior policy advisor at the trade justice charity, Transform Trade on the rise of fast fashion and how the actions of High Street brands directly impact the lives of Bangladesh workers.

Explored in this episode:

· Where the world’s clothing comes from

· Who makes it and under what conditions

· The role High Street retailers play

· What consumers can do

Mentioned in this episode:

· Event: Rana Plaza collapse

· Research: Report published January 2023

· Research: Report published January 2022

· Initiative: Free Trade Zone

· Initiative: Groceries Code Adjudicator

· Website: MP pledge for fashion watchdog

This podcast reflects the views and opinions of contributors, not necessarily the institutional position of the University of Aberdeen.