Tazreen Tragedy: Survivors’ cries for rehabilitation fall on deaf ears

Although seven years have elapsed since the devastating fire at Tazreen Fashions, no step has yet been taken to rehabilitate the survivors.
Besides, many of the injured as well as families of the deceased workers are yet to receive proper compensation as pledged by the government and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Most of the survivors who lost their ability to work in the accident are leading a miserable life. They demanded that steps be taken for their rehabilitation.
A shattering fire in the factory of Tazreen Fashions at Nischintapur of Ashulia claimed lives of 113 workers and injured more than 300 others on 24 November 2012.
The 7th anniversary of the devastating fire is being observed on Sunday by different organisations of garment workers with elaborate programmes.
Robin, 45, who was injured in the devastating fire, almost lost his mental balance.
His wife Mariam, who herself is sick, said Robin cannot work for long at a place.
“Sometimes, Robin loses his mental balance and talks and works incoherently. We’re passing our days amid unspeakable hardship.”
Shilpi Begum, a survivor of the Tazreen fire, currently sells handmade pitha (cakes) for living at the shop she built borrowing Tk 10,000 from a labour leader. She lost her ability to work after the accident.
“I earn Tk 200 to 300 per day which is too inadequate to meet my family expenses,” she said.
Another survivor Sabita Rani who failed to run tailoring business after the incident, said, “We tried a lot but no one helped us. Due to the physical condition and lack of capital, we had to wind up our business.”
The survivors sought government’s attention and financial support for their treatment as well as education of their children.
Bangladesh Trade Union Federation president Tuhin Chowdhury said a specialised hospital should be established in the industrial hub of Savar for ensuring proper treatment for garment workers.
He also demanded exemplary punishment of Tazreen Fashions owner Delwar Hossain.