Over 700 RMG factories begin operation amid virus shutdown

Over 700 readymade garment factories have started production in the capital city, Savar and Ashulia, Sreepur of Gazipur district amid the risk of coronavirus transmission, reports news agency UNB.

However, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the apex trade body of the garment sector, said the factories started production with limited workers, especially with those living near their factories.

BGMEA senior vice-president Faisal Samad told the news agency that around 700-800 garment factories have reopened till Tuesday with limited workers.

He said buyers have asked the RMG factories, especially those failed to make shipments due to the countrywide shutdown, deliver their consignments by 5-10 May.

They are opening their factories with limited workers for the sake of ensuring shipments, Faisal said.

He said the BGMEA has already formed six teams to monitor whether the factories are maintaining social distancing and health guidelines.

Besides, an advisory council has been formed consisting health specialists to prevent the coronavirus transmission, the BGMEA leader said.

When his attention was drawn to the issue that workers are returning to Dhaka from outside, he said it is their own decision but factories started production with limited workers who are staying near the factories.

The government on 23 April extended the general holidays until 5 May in a bid to tackle the worsening coronavirus situation in the country.

This time, factories related to medicine and export-oriented industries were allowed to run maintaining proper safety and hygiene of the workers.

On 23 March, the government declared general holidays from 26 March to 4 April, aiming to prevent the transmission of coronavirus. Later, the holidays were extended for five times.