Union leaders demand adequate compensation

Various labour rights organisations yesterday demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the death of at least 52 workers in a fire at the Hashem Foods factory in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district.

They also asked for adequate compensation to be provided to the families of the deceased workers as well as survivors of the incident.

The leaders of various trade union bodies demanded full compensation for the potential lifetime income loss by the workers as well as proper treatment and rehabilitation for those injured.

Hashem Foods, a concern of Sajeeb Group, retails various beverages, baked goods, jelly, and condiments under the Sajeeb brand. The company also produces Shezan, a mango flavoured drink, under a technical collaboration with Shezan International.

Officials said Sajeeb pays royalties to Shezan and Idilia for producing the brand in Bangladesh.

With an annual turnover of nearly Tk 600 crore, Sajeeb Group employs nearly 1,600 workers, said its chief executive officer, Mohammad Shahan Shah Azad, on Friday.

Sajeeb Group has also been engaged in exporting processed foods, which in fiscal 2020-21 amounted to nearly $10 million.

Workers' rights bodies, citing the fire incident at Hashem Foods, said the factory did not provide a safe working environment. From the announcement of the fire service department, it appears that there were no firefighting arrangements in the factory.

"The gates were kept closed even after the fire broke out," said Shahidullah Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Trade Union Centre, Shahidullah Chowdhury, and Dr Wajedul Islam Khan in a statement yesterday.

They too  demanded proper treatment and compensation equal to the income of a lifetime for the deceased workers.

"There is no security of the lives of workers," Chowdhury added.

Trade union organisations said after every incident, the government forms an inquiry committee and gives various assurances.

Eventually though, the issue never again see the light of day.

The National Workers Unity Centre, Sajeeb Group Workers Justice Committee, Socialist Party of Bangladesh, and Progressive Students Unity also demanded justice and compensation for workers.