12 years of Tazreen fire: Justice, compensation elusive for survivors still bearing scars

Survivors of the Tazreen Fashions fire, which claimed at least 117 lives and injured many more on 24 November 2012, still endure physical and emotional scars, while justice and adequate compensation remain out of reach.

Nasima Akter, a sewing operator on the fourth floor of Tazreen Fashions Limited in Dhaka's Ashulia, who narrowly escaped the inferno, narrated her ordeal to The Business Standard 12 years later – standing near the site, still bearing the scars of that horrific night that forever altered her life. 

"I thought if I worked faster, I could go home sooner. I left my child at home," she said, her voice trembling.

It was just before 7pm when the fire alarm blared, causing panic among workers. 

"Our factory manager scolded us, saying it was a false alarm triggered by mechanics," Nasima recounted. 

Resuming work under duress, they were soon engulfed by smoke. 

"We couldn't breathe. I ran to the third floor, only to find the door locked," Nasima said. 

Desperate, she sought refuge in a sample room with dozens of others.

Mechanics managed to cut the window grills partially, and Nasima was thrown to the roof of an adjacent building. 

"That was the last thing I remember before losing consciousness."

When she woke up days later, she was in a hospital bed, her body shattered. 

"My spine, neck, and arms were broken. The pain is unbearable even now, 12 years later. I can't sleep at night. My condition keeps worsening," she said, tears streaming down her face.

For survivors like Nasima and Shirin Akter, another worker who narrowly escaped death, life remains a battle against physical and emotional pain. 

Shirin, who was also severely injured, lamented, "Sometimes I wish I hadn't survived. I'm a burden to others. The people responsible for this tragedy live freely while we suffer endlessly."

The incident, one of the deadliest in Bangladesh's garment industry, has left a trail of unfulfilled promises. 

At an event marking the 12th anniversary today, labour rights groups, survivors, and families of the deceased gathered at the now-abandoned factory in Ashulia, laying flowers to honour the victims.

Amidst the tributes, there was anger and frustration. 

Various organisations demanded swift resolution of the pending case, the highest punishment for those responsible, lifelong compensation for victims' families, and rehabilitation for injured workers.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, expressed disappointment over the stalled trial. 

"The factory management locked the gates, leading to the deaths of over a hundred workers. Yet, a decade later, justice remains elusive. Most of the accused are out on bail," he said.

Labour leader Mizanur Rahim Chowdhury criticised flaws in the case proceedings. 

"Over 160 witnesses were enlisted unnecessarily, dragging the trial. A handful of expert testimonies would have sufficed," he argued.

The fire survivors and labour leaders urged the interim government, led by Prof Yunus, to expedite justice. They also called for creating a comprehensive database of injured workers and victims' families to ensure adequate compensation and rehabilitation.

"The previous regime shielded the factory owner, but this democratic government must prioritise justice for Tazreen and other industrial tragedies like Rana Plaza," added Mizanur.

As the sun set over Ashulia, the voices of those who survived echoed a singular demand: justice and dignity for workers whose lives were forever scarred by negligence and indifference.