Labour rights activists gathered on Friday to demand justice for the more than 100 workers who lost their lives in the Tazreen Fashions factory fire in Ashulia on 24th November 2012. The call for accountability was made during the launch of a book titled Killing of Tazreen Workers: A Tale of Fire and Life, organised by the Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the tragic event.
Mizanur Rahim Chowdhury, general secretary of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati, criticised the negligence of Tazreen Fashions’ owner and the previous Awami League government, which he accused of failing to punish the responsible parties. He highlighted that Delwar Hossain, charged with negligence leading to the deaths of the workers, was appointed the president of the Awami Matsyajibi League’s Dhaka north unit in 2022.
Chowdhury expressed hope for justice, stating, “We hope that all the culprits will be brought to justice.”
Taslima Akhter, president of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati, presided over the event online, urging everyone to unite in seeking justice for all workers killed in similar incidents and to uphold the dignity of laborers.
Supreme Court lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua emphasised that current labour laws primarily protect factory owners, calling for workers and professionals from various sectors to come together to challenge such regulations.
The newly launched book consists of writings; including poems, songs, short stories, and images—that reflect on the Tazreen Fashions tragedy and its impact on workers’ lives and rights.
