Workers must show identity cards while entering Dhaka: DIFE

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) on Saturday ordered all workers to show their identity cards when entering the capital from outside.

“If workers need to enter Dhaka for work, they must carry their identify cards and show them to the concerned authorities,” said a handout from DIFE, an affiliated organisation under the ministry of labour and employment.

Without ID cards, workers will not get permission at ferry terminals or other entry points to Dhaka, it said.

Meanwhile, the readymade garment (RMG) owners were discouraged to call workers from outside the capital.

Over 700 to 800 garment factories resumed production in the capital, Savar and Ashulia, and Sreepur of Gazipur until 28 April amid the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said export orders worth $3.18 billion were either cancelled or suspended until 29 April. It said the factories started production with limited number of workers, especially with those living near their factories.

However, thousands of RMG workers entered Dhaka from other districts in recent days sparking fresh concern over a massive coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, seven RMG workers were diagnosed with coronavirus in Savar in the past 24 hours until Friday night after reopening of RMG factories.