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NEWSLETTER 14, JULY 2001
Fire in Bengal garment factory, kills 53
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On November 25, 2000, 10 children and 43 women were killed in
a fire at Choudury Knitwear, a garment factory in Narsingdi, Bangladesh.
At least a 100 others were injured. When the fire started, 900
people were on duty in the factory. Witnesses say all the gates
of the building were locked. Workers were trapped. Firefighters
had to break open the gates.
Brands made at Choudury Knitwear include River Edge [mens wear],
Main Stream [mens wear], Infuse [athletic gear], Hardwear Urban
[apparel] and Alibi Clothing. We have not been able to identify
the origin of these brands, though it has recently been reported
that the day the fire struck workers were preparing an order for
the UK market. If you recognize any of these brands please contact
the Clean Clothes Campaign in Amsterdam.
The tragedy at Choudury does not stand alone. In the last decade,
more than 100 factories in Bangladesh have burned down, injuring
5,000 and killing 246. It is clear that fire safety is not a big
priority in the factories. Horrified by what has happened different
organizations in the Clean Clothes network started writing solidarity
letters to the injured workers and the family of those who were
killed. Hundreds of letters were written worldwide. Also letters
were sent to the management of Choudury Knitwear and the Bangladesh
Garment Manufacturers and Employers Association (BGMEA). From
Bangladesh the CCC has heard that Choudury Knitwear will start
operating again soon...
Find out more
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