Tazreen families demand compensation
The cries of Tazreen workers and their families once again filled the air of Nishchintapur on Friday as they expressed their frustration over the slow DNA identification and compensation process and legal action against the Tazreen owner.
Two months after the fire that claimed at least 112 lives, the families of the victims organised a demonstration outside the factory premises, with the help of Garments Sramik Oikko Forum and Activist Anthropologists, to vocalise their demands.
The bodies of their loved ones are yet to be identified despite the DNA tests, said the family members who spoke at the rally attended by hundreds.
“We have been sent from one place to another and made to go through a series of bureaucratic processes and yet we have not seen their bodies,†said one Wahidul, widowed by the inferno on November 24.
Atiur Rahman, another affected family member, said the indifference of the government, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Delwar Hossain, the owner, towards the issue vexed him greatly.
“The investigation report submitted by the home ministry recommends the arrest of the owner. Alas, he remains at large,†he said, while demanding the arrest of Hossain.
The speakers also said that many of the families who have claimed the bodies are yet to be compensated in full for their loss, and that there were discrepancies in the amount given to the families.
Prof Nasim Akter Hossain from Jahangirnagar University urged people to come together to hold the state and owners accountable for the deaths and destruction.
Amid applause for the crowd, she said: “Owners! Be warned! If you want to play with fire, you will be scorched -- by the fire of resistance.â€
Garments Sramik Oikko Forum's Shahidul Islam Sabuj said that the owners have categorically proved that they do not care about their workers' safety and security.
“It is time that they are held accountable.â€
The theatre troupe Prachyanat performed a street theatre act depicting the plight of Tazreen workers during the demonstration.
Representatives from different socio-political organisations and citizens groups were also present.
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