Marking one year since Tazreen Fashions fire

This Sunday, 24 November, it will be one year since a fire swept through Tazreen Fashions factory in Bangladesh, killing at least 112 workers. We mark this sombre day and send our heartfelt support to all those struggling with the physical and psychological aftermath of this tragedy.

This factory disaster, and the horrific Rana Plaza collapse that followed five months later, illuminated the chronic health and safety issues that plague Bangladesh’s garment sector. They brought together diverse groups of stakeholders under the common cause of raising safety standards across this sector.

We believe the right frameworks are being put in place to drive long-lasting change for Bangladeshi garment sectors, including the National Tripartite Plan of Action on Fire Safety and Structural Integrity and the landmark Bangladesh Accord. While it is heartening to see engagement and momentum on this unprecedented scale, this must also be reflected in the compensation talks that are taking place for recent Bangladesh factory tragedies. 

ETI Director Peter McAllister said: “Negotiations continue towards a compensation agreement for Tazreen Fashions victims and we applaud those brands and retailers that have individually paid compensation. But it is unacceptable that a year on, workers and their families are still waiting to receive the full compensation they are due. We urge all brands and retailers that sourced from Tazreen Fashions to act with urgency and fully commit to a fair compensation agreement.”