The Tazreen Fashions fire was a tragic incident in the history of readymade garment industry of Bangladesh. A total of 111 workers died and many others were injured in the fire accident that took place in November 2012. The nation was shell shocked at the death and damage caused by the devastating inferno.

However, sincere efforts by all concerned, especially BGMEA, were made immediately to tackle the catastrophe. After the tragic fire accident in Tazreen Fashions, BGMEA responded immediately and took necessary steps to deal with the disaster.

·         From the very first day of the tragic accident BGMEA started providing medical support to the injured workers. The fire victims were admitted to different renowned hospitals, including Apollo Hospitals, United Hospital, Trauma, NITOR, DMCH, Enam Medical College Hospital and Super Medical Hospital for their treatment.

·         BGMEA ensured payment of salary and allowances of all the employees/workers of Tazreen Garment according to labor law within 15 days of the tragic accident.

·         A total of 90 injured persons were given medical treatment from BGMEA and a few others were given financial support. So far BGMEA spent a total of Tk 23 lac for the treatment purpose of Tazreen victims. In addition, on completion of their treatment each patient was paid from BGMEA Tk 1,00,000 (Tk one lac).

·         Later, a total of 98 injured workers were identified by BGMEA and CARITAS (NGO) and they have been provided with monthly salaries (fixed at one grade higher than the salaries they used to receive at Tazreen) and necessary medical support since December 2012. By now 24 workers have fully recovered and joined their work. Among the remaining 74 workers, 31 (on recovery) will be given 3 months vocational training in stitching. On completion of this training, each of them will be given Tk 30,000 to start their business.

·         Rest of the 43 workers will continue receiving the salary and medical support. In the second phase (starting from 2015), again 20 workers out of the 43 will be given 3 months vocational training and on completion of this training, they will be given Tk 30,000 each to start their business. Then rest of the 23 workers will be getting support till their recovery. This project will continue till December 2016.

·         Jobless employees of Tazreen garments (those who were looking for jobs) were provided with new jobs at member factories of BGMEA.

·         Unfortunately, a total of 111 persons died in the tragic fire incident. Among the deceased, 110 died on the spot and one died in Apollo Hospitals. So far 99 deceased were identified and their beneficiaries were paid Tk 7,00,000 each.

·         BGMEA paid a total of Tk 6,00,000 (Tk six lac) to DMCH DNA lab for DNA test. Recently two more deceased were identified through DNA test and identity of six more deceased is likely to be confirmed from government. Once their waris (inherits) will be verified by the government, BGMEA will take necessary steps to compensate them in the same rate.

·         In cooperation with BGMEA, CARITAS listed a total of 59 distressed guardians (one from each family) of 59 unmarried deceased workers and started paying each of them Tk 1200 per month.

·         In cooperation with BGMEA, CARITAS listed a total of 88 orphan children and has been paying each of them Tk 4000 (Tk 1200 in cash + Tk 2800 as bank deposit) per month. This support will continue till they attain the age of 18 years. This amount will increase by 7% every year.

·         There is also an upcoming project that intends to provide vocational training to one member from each of the families of the deceased workers and pay them Tk 80,000 so that they can manage a means of livelihood and support their families with their income.