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Collapsed factory workers in fresh hardship

PINAKI ROY
The grocers in Palashbari and the adjoining areas have stopped selling groceries on credit to the workers of the Spectrum Sweater Ltd as the workers could not pay their last month's dues and cannot hope to pay those soon.
The sweater factory at Palashbari of Savar crumbled into rubble last week causing heavy casualties. Workers of Shariar Garments next to the Spectrum Sweater Ltd and owned by the same owner too have their share of suffering in the aftermath of the collapse.
Hundreds of workers who luckily escaped death from the collapse now live in subhuman conditions.
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They can hardly have a meal a day. The grocers' refusal to sell them groceries on credit only adds to their miseries.
"Grocers do not want to sell us goods anymore as we could not pay the last month's bills and there is no possibility that we will be able to repay the amount soon. After repeated requests my grocer yesterday gave me half kilogram of rice," said Shilpi Begum, who buys goods on credit and pays up after getting the month's salary. "He gave me only after I lied to him that I've got a job at another garment factory and will soon pay all his dues," she added.
The Spectrum Sweaters Ltd building collapsed just a day before the payday. Many of the surviving workers have gone back to their village homes while some of them do not have the money to go back to their villages.
"I have heard the owner would pay our dues as soon as the rescue operation is over. So I am still waiting," said Amzad Hossain, who used to work in the sewing section of the factory.
It was noon yesterday when this correspondent went to visit the workers of the Shariar Garments living in the Palashbari, Dandabor, Bogabari, Palli Bidyut, Gazirchat areas under Savar Police Station. The workers who live at bachelors' mess came and gathered in front of Faruk's mess in Palashbari and asked to note down their names hoping it might ensure their due salary.
Mahbub Alam, a worker of the Export Procession Zone (EPZ), said showing his housemate who used to work at the Shariar garments, "Grocers have stopped selling goods to them. He has not been
getting even a meal a day since the building collapse."
"I have 50 days' salary to be drawn whereas I don't have money even to go to back to my home in Rangpur," said Zahidul Islam, a young worker of the sweater factory.
Many of the workers who could manage their bus fares have returned home. Some however opted to stay here as economic conditions of their families back in the villages are worse.
"I have been living on fermented rice for the last seven days. I used to send money for my parents at village home. Now I do not know what to do," said Sazu Mia who hails from Bogra.
When asked a grocer from the Palashbari said that the workers already owe him several thousand taka. "I feel for them but I am here doing a small business. How can I continue selling them goods on credit when there is hardly any chance for them to get back their salary and thus repay me," he said requesting anonymity.
The owner of the Spectrum Sweater could not be reached despite repeated attempts.