The deadliest factory fire in the nation’s history broke out at Ashulia on November 24, 2012, killing at least 112 people and leaving over 200 injured.
Friday marks the 11th anniversary of that terrifying incident that took place at Tazreen Fashion factory.
While many of the injured workers received temporary assistance, they could not be fully compensated and rehabilitated. They now navigate life with burned and crippled bodies, some forging new careers for their livelihood.
One such individual is Savita Rani, who served as the swing operator at the Tazreen factory and was well-compensated.
On the day of the incident, she was on the third floor. When the fire alarm suddenly rang and the smoke engulfed the floor, she, along with others, jumped from there.
Subsequently, she was admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state, marking the beginning of her uncertain life.
Savita shared that despite extensive treatment, she returned to work to provide for herself. However, by then, she had lost the physical ability to work in the factory.
She initiated a small-scale factory with other injured workers who could not find jobs like her. However, due to a lack of capital, establishing the factory proved unfeasible.
"After acquiring a sewing machine with great difficulty, I am doing some sewing work at home. Additionally, I earn a daily wage of Tk400 by distributing leaflets for an organization's campaign," Savita said.
She emphasized that post-treatment, government assistance ceased. Rather than seeking help, they desire compensation for sustainable and healthy lives. Savita urged the government and BGMEA to facilitate such arrangements.
Shilpi Begum, an operator at the Tazreen factory, had also jumped from the same floor. However, she did not receive government assistance as her name did not appear on the list since she went to her village home for treatment. Despite receiving medical care from various organizations, she encountered challenges securing employment in other factories.
Shilpi said: "If the government reopens this abandoned factory, injured workers like me could work there. We want the government and BGMEA to address this matter."
The trial is not over
The day following the incident on November 24, 2012, Ashulia police station Sub Inspector (SI) Khairul Islam filed a case against unidentified individuals.
In this case, Section 304 (a) of the Penal Code was included, addressing charges of manslaughter and death by negligence.
On December 22 of the same year, CID inspector AKM Mohsinuzzaman Khan, the investigating officer, submitted a charge sheet against 13 individuals, including the chairman and managing director (MD) of Tazreen, to the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Dhaka.
The factory structure did not comply with the Building Construction Act, lacking an emergency exit for worker evacuation. Two out of the three staircases terminated within the ground floor warehouse. When the fire erupted, the factory manager falsely claimed it was a fire drill, blocking the exit and preventing workers from leaving.
The charge sheet accuses the defendants under sections 323, 325, 436, 304, 304-A, and 427 of the Penal Code, citing clear evidence of negligent homicide and owner culpability.
The remaining defendants listed in the charge sheet are Tazreen Fashions MD Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Chairman Mahmuda Akhtar, Administrative Officer Dulal, Store In-charge Hamidul Islam, Anisur Rahman, Security Guard Rana alias Anarul, Security Supervisor Al Amin, Store In-charge Al-Amin, and loader Shamim Mia.
Out of 104 witnesses in the case, only 11 testified in court. The trial is ongoing in the First Additional District and Sessions Judge Court of Dhaka, with the last hearing scheduled for November 1. Due to the absence of the witness, the court adjourned to March 25 for the next hearing.
On the 11th anniversary of the Tazreen fire, families of the victims, injured workers, and leaders of various labour organizations will offer floral tributes in front of the Tazreen Garments gate on Friday morning. Additional security measures have been implemented to prevent any untoward incidents, with additional police deployment.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, the legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, expressed concern that despite 11 years passing since the Tazreen tragedy, affected workers have not received substantial rehabilitation. Prolonged unemployment has led to mental distress, causing turmoil in their families. The absence of exemplary punishment for those responsible has exacerbated mental health issues.
Mintu urged the government and BGMEA to take initiatives for the genuine rehabilitation of Tazreen's affected workers, emphasizing that it would alleviate both human and economic problems.