Victims struggle without rehabilitation, justice

Bangla Press Desk:  13 years have passed since the devastating fire at Tazreen Fashion factory in Ashulia’s Nishchintapur area, yet injured workers and families of those who died in the tragedy continue to live in hardship, having received little to no rehabilitation or compensation.

On the evening of 24 November 2012 around 6:45pm, a fierce fire broke out at the Tazreen Fashion factory.

The fire claimed the lives of 117 workers, while about 200 others were injured, some severely, after jumping from the building to save their lives.

On Monday morning, families of the deceased workers paid tribute by placing wreaths in front of the Tazreen Garments factory in Nishchintapur, Ashulia.

Injured workers were also present and spoke of the pain and suffering they have endured over the years, saying promises made to them were never fulfilled.

Survivors continue to live with both physical pain and financial difficulties, struggling to sustain their families, while expressing anger over the lack of accountability for those responsible.

Workers’ leaders say the incident remains confined to discussions, tributes, and media coverage, while no exemplary punishment has been delivered to the factory owner Delwar and others responsible, leaving them frustrated and disheartened.

Workers’ organisation leaders said that even after more than a decade, the victims have received little support from the government or the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

They also demanded immediate full rehabilitation of the workers, compensation equivalent to a lifetime, and punishment for Delwar.

BP/SP