Whither solidarity?

Somewhere along the recently paved path, it seems we have lost this feeling of togetherness -- this feeling of belonging. Current political events in the country -- and I do not mean just between government and opposition parties -- may have contributed to the formation of this gap. More than 300 underpaid, overworked citizens of the country were trapped in the jaws of death when a nine-storey sweater factory in Savar collapsed on them. No one knows what the current death toll is, as lack of sophisticated equipment has prevented quick rescue action. However, after almost 10 days the chances of anyone left alive is extremely bleak. What is even bleaker is the lack of motivation or quick action on the part of the government and members of civil society.

The stench of corruption and power politics mingles with the stench of decomposing bodies trapped in the ruins of Spectrum Sweater Industries Ltd.

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Let us start from the beginning. It has been reported that the sweater factory was built by filling a pond on government owned land, since the owner was blessed with an influential father in law. It has also been stated that the factory was only supposed to be four stories high. It seems that the owner was also blessed with a friendly Rajuk officer. Factory inspectors are nowhere in the picture -- but given the poor record of factory maintenance and the high record of factory accidents, we all know how busy and dedicated and honest they are. The surviving workers at Spectrum have been vocal about the terrible working environment in the factory and the meagre wages they were never paid on time. They have also stated that they were threatened with non-payment unless they did overtime. It was during one such period of overtime that the building collapsed on the workers who worked to the bone to earn less than minimum wage.

The early hours of 11 April 2005, Monaem, a knitting supervisor was startled to hear an ominous rumbling overhead. Then the building collapsed around him and his coworkers. "I felt like we were trapped in a grave." He said, after crawling his way out; 350 others were feared trapped in the rubble. To date, less than 100 bodies have been recovered. The only constant support group to remain in the area of the factory are the relatives of those who have yet to be pulled out. Unfortunately, the owner of the factory is no where in sight, the Rajuk official who passed the 9-storey plan is not mentioned and the government has done precious little to mourn the death of more than 300 people who worked in one of the largest economic sectors of the country and contributed to the country's wealth. What about compensation to the families of the victims? It is their cheap labour that makes millionaires out of others and contributes to the country's economy. For this fact alone, the government must show them respect.

If the government can declare a national day of mourning for soldiers who lost their lives in Sierra Leone and the Congo, then why not for the garments workers of Spectrum Sweaters? They too lost their lives in an activity that was for the good of the country. According to President Jefferson 'the whole art of government consists in the art of being honest.' This leads to the questions: will the Rajuk official, who allowed a nine-storey building to be built on a four-storey foundation, be sacked? What of others like him? What about the Factory Inspectors who are supposed to inspect faulty wiring, ensure sufficient and clear exits and fire escapes?

What about our more vocal brethren -- the members of civil society? True, some NGOs and labour groups have demanded action and a national day for mourning the country's loss and special prayers were offered at different religious places of worship around the country. NGOs are the first to jump in and go to court to ensure the legal rights of the underdog. But why has no organisation yet filed a case against the owner of the factory? Why has there been such a lukewarm response to the tragedy? Why has the Opposition not jumped at the chance to once again berate the government for inefficiency? Lots of questions need to be answered.

There used to be a time when everyone would help everyone else, regardless of economic and social class, regardless of politics, regardless of religion. It gave everyone the sense of belonging to one big community and boosted morale. What have we done to lose this vital ingredient? Why has the government and civil society failed to firmly address the recent tragedy? Have we, as a nation, become so divided and bitter that we have lost respect for others? Who will answer these questions?

The writer teaches at the School of Law, BRAC University.