Towards justice for victims of Tazreen Garments fire

It is with relief that we receive the news of a Dhaka Court framing charges against 13 people in the Tazreen Garments Fire case that killed 112 workers on November 14, 2012. Though it took almost three years, that those indicted include two of the owners of the factory, gives us hope that justice will be served to those unfortunate workers who perished in that fire. It also sends a strong message to other factory owners that they cannot avoid their responsibility to ensure safety for all their workers.

All too often we witness employers using their money and influence to go scot free for crimes against poor, helpless workers. In this case the court found the accused guilty of murder, culpable homicide and causing death by negligence. The factory was built on a faulty work plan and the walkway was turned into a warehouse. It did not have any fire exit. When the fire broke out the workers were asked not to leave the premises by the managers and security guards who said it wasn't serious. These were the primary factors that led to so many deaths. It was a tragedy caused by gross negligence and total disregard for human lives.

The court's role in charging these individuals who had little concern for the safety of the workers, is certainly commendable. We hope the remaining five accused who are absconding will be arrested soon. An expeditious trial, moreover, will serve as a precedent for all other such cases and may help to save lives in the future.