The Tazreen tragedy remains a haunting memory of fire accidents in Bangladesh's garment sector.
On November 24, 2012, workers at Tazreen Fashions in Ashulia’s Nishchintapur began their day like any other.
But by evening, a fire broke out on the eighth floor, quickly engulfing the entire building.
Many jumped for their lives, while others perished in the flames.
That night, the cries for help filled the skies, with 117 workers losing their lives and over 200 injured.
Survivors, many of whom are yet to be rehabilitated, continue to struggle.
On Sunday, marks the 12th anniversary of the incident, and memories of that horrific day still haunt witnesses.
A Scene Unlike Any Other
Residents recall the evening fire vividly. Kamrul Hasan, who lived nearby, said: “I’ve seen many incidents, but nothing like this. The chaos, the cries—people tried everything to survive but couldn’t. The fire raged all night, with ambulances running continuously. People jumped off walls and onto rods, desperate to escape.”
Another witness, Nazrul Islam, said: “I rushed there when I heard about the fire. Flames were everywhere, even heating the surroundings. Many jumped onto rooftops, while others were burned alive. That horrific scene still haunts me.”
The Flames Still Haunt Victims
The flames of that day remain a nightmare for the injured workers and their families.
Despite temporary support, many victims were neither fully compensated nor rehabilitated, leaving them in a life of misery.
Some started new trades to survive but continued to suffer physically and emotionally.
Sabita Rani, a sewing operator at Tazreen, was on the third floor that day.
When the fire alarm rang, smoke soon filled the floor, and she jumped to save her life.
Found unconscious, she was hospitalized, marking the start of an uncertain life.
“I bought a sewing machine and do small work at home. But I live in constant pain and cry myself to sleep every night. I’ve become a burden to my family,” she said.
Sabita further said: “The government’s aid ended with medical expenses. We don’t want charity; we want compensation so we can live with dignity. It feels like the dead are at peace, but we, the living, are suffering every day.”
Another worker, Sima Akter, said: “The factory has been abandoned for 12 years. They should either reopen it or provide us with housing. We received some money, but it’s not enough to survive. We are ignored like we don’t exist. Every November, people come and talk to us, but nothing changes. We can’t pay rent, buy groceries, or afford medicine. The fire ruined our lives.”
Workers Leaders Demand Compensation and Justice
Labour leaders have urged the government to provide adequate support and hold those responsible accountable.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers’ Trade Union, said: “Even after 12 years, workers have not been compensated or rehabilitated. They are living in hardship. The government must take swift action to support them.”
Arbindu Bepari, president of the Revolutionary Garments Workers Federation, accused the factory owner of intentionally causing the fire.
“The previous government let the owner escape accountability. This government must investigate and ensure justice for the workers.”
He suggested turning the abandoned Tazreen site into a labour hospital funded by the government to provide free healthcare to workers.
The victims also blame negligence for the lack of compensation and justice, calling for improved workplace safety to prevent such tragedies in the future.
