Justice for those killed in the Tazreen Fashions tragedy remains elusive even after 12 years, said speakers at an event yesterday. They were speaking at a cover unveiling event for the book, "12 Years of Impunity: Tazreen Worker Murders -- Stories of Fire and Life," marking nearly 12 years since the devastating fire at Tazreen Fashions, which killed at least 117 workers and injured over 150 others. The book, published by Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati, a platform for RMG workers, was launched at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro at Banglamotor in the capital.
November 24 will mark over a decade since the tragic blaze at Tazreen Fashions, located in Nishchintipur, Ashulia. The cover of the compilation was unveiled by Sahara Khatun, the mother of victim Shah Alam, and Rokeya Khatun, the mother of victim Hena Akter. Speakers said the perpetrators have not been brought to justice, compensation laws have not been updated, and workers' wages still lack dignity.
They also pointed out the absence of effective rehabilitation efforts for the injured workers. Samina Luthfa, an associate professor of Dhaka University; Kallol Mustafa, an activist and writer; Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, a Supreme Court lawyer; and Taslima Akhter, president of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati, spoke among others. The book compiled a variety of works, such as poems, songs, essays, plays, and other writings protesting the impunity that has persisted over the last 12 years.
Contributors to the collection include Anu.