Editorial
Fire in Bahraini labour camp
We are shocked at our workers' death
The death of 11 Bangladeshi workers in the deadly blaze at a Bahraini tenement for expatriate South Asian workers comes as a distressing piece of news. Unfortunately it has become a pattern of Bangladeshi labourers dying of deadly fires in their living places. We recall the fire that killed 16 of our workers in 2006 followed by three in 2008 and at least 10 in 2012, let alone the last casualty figure.
The deadly fire incident is another reminder of poor safety conditions for our workers. Condemnations have been voiced in Bahraini media for the lethal mishap linked to hazardous living conditions. In the first place, they are required to stay in earmarked places and in buildings that are an apology for housing.
The building in which the latest accident occurred was unauthorised and therefore substandard being exposed to not only the elements of nature but also internal hazards. How could unapproved structures with small rooms in which 10-12 workers are crammed be allotted to South Asian expatriates employees?
The government should take it up with the authorities in Bahrain at the diplomatic level as well as with the employing companies. The workers deserve safe living and working conditions in consideration of the fact that they are benefiting the host country as well as their country of origin.
The deaths are family tragedies as the workers were the only earning members for the households they left behind them. They were working to change the lot of their families but now the latter are left in the lurch. The companies in Bahrain should pay adequate compensation to the victims' families.
We grieve at the loss of so many lives practically in the line of duty and express our heart-felt sympathies to the members of the bereaved families.
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