Relatives of garment workers who died in the Rana Plaza collapse and Tazreen Fashions fire and the injured workers formed a human chain beside the Dhaka-Aricha highway at Savar bus stand yesterday, demanding compensation. The demonstrators formed the human chain under the banners “Rana Plaza Garment Workers’ Union” and “Tazreen Fashions Garment Workers’ Union”. Nasima Akter, a victim of Tazreen Fashions fire, said it has been over two years since the fire occurred but she is yet to be compensated. “We cannot pay for food much less other necessities after losing our source of income,” she said breaking down in tears. She added that they are living inhuman lives. Jorina Akter, president of Tazreen Fashions Garment Workers’ Union and a victim herself, said the victims need compensation immediately. “Families of those who died are living very miserable lives after losing their breadwinners, and those who were injured cannot work anymore,” she said. The government and BGMEA are wasting time so that the matter can be closed but the people will never forget what happened, said Emdadul Islam, president of Rana Plaza Garment Workers’ Union. “If the workers take to the street it will be problematic for the government. To be compensated is our right,” he said. On November 24, 2012, a fire broke out at Tazreen Fashions, a garment factory in Ashulia, and killed 111 workers and injured many more. On the other hand, Rana Plaza, which housed five garment factories, collapsed on April 24, 2013 killing 1,136 workers and injuring scores others.
