Dhaka, Nov 24 (Just News) : On November 24, 2012, a tragic disaster struck Bangladesh’s apparel sector when a deadly fire at Tazreen Fashions claimed the life of 113 workers.
The incident at the Ashulia factory also left 300 injured, who are living with vivid memories that still haunt them in nightmares.
When the fire broke out at the ground floor of the factory building, hundreds of workers got stuck inside. Many, to save their lives, climbed down onto sewerage pipes while others jumped from the roof.
The lucky ones, who managed to escape inevitable death, say they still hear agonizing screams of their co-workers pleading to save them.
Six years on, the tragedy struck building was found abandoned with locks on the main gate. The window glasses are still broken and an uncomfortable silence in the compound has turned it into a haunted building, with signs of the heartbreaking disaster all over it.
A number of survivors still live nearby. Leon, one of the lucky workers, became an orphan in an instant losing his parents, brother and brothers wife in the fire. He now stays with his sister.
The family received financial assistance from the government, sure, but it could hardly help Leon in dealing with the mental trauma inflicted on him.
He can still hear his father screaming, ‘save me’, says Leon.
Other survivors, including Ayesha Begum and Parvin Akther, also shared similar episodes which they encounter every now and then. They wake up in the middle of night as haunting nightmares force them to relive the incident over and over again.
They said, “We are living now as disabled, while once we were the bread-winners. We feel like burdens to our families.”
“Death is rather preferable than to live like this,” they added.
Sarwar Hossain, a garments workers’ forum leader of Ashulia, said, “Many workers who sustained severe injuries are living miserable lives.”
Calling on the government to support these ill-fated workers, Hossain said, “Proper medical care and rehabilitation can help these workers begin lives anew”.
(JustNews/mj/1200hr.)
