Forty-nine cases have been filed against Abul Hashem, owner of Hashem Foods and Beverage, over the death of 51 people in a massive fire at the factory on July 8.

The cases were filed by Nesar Uddin, inspector of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment (DIFE) with Dhaka Labor Court (third) on behalf of the victims’ family members.

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Speaking to The Daily Star, DIFE Deputy Inspector General Soumen Barua said the cases were filed in phases seeking compensations for the victims. The last case was lodged a few days back.

“As per labor law, if any worker dies in a factory, the compensation for the victim must be paid through the labor court,” he said.

Complainant Nesar Uddin said they filed the cases for each of the 49 dead victims. Two more cases would be lodged after confirmation of the identities of the two other deceased.

“The labor law stipulates that in case of death of a worker, his/her family is entitled to a compensation payment of Tk 2 lakh. Beside, an injured worker will get compensations from the company owner for his/her injury. If the owner does not take any responsibility, the injured victim will submit complaint to the court with necessary medical papers. Then the court will take necessary steps in this regard,” he told this correspondent.

The July 8 inferno at the Hashem Foods factory in Narayanganj’s Rupganj claimed 51 workers. The next day, Sub-Inspector Nazim Uddin of Rupganj Police Station filed a case against eight people, including Abul Hashem, over negligence in ensuring workers’ safety.

Police arrested all the eight accused, including Hashem and his four sons. They later came out of jail on bail.

The case is now under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department.



Death of 51 in Fire: 49 cases filed against owner of Hashem Foods
Source: Trend Viral Philippines