All the garment factory workers in the country would be vaccinated at free of cost in the near future, said leaders of BGMEA, an association of garment industry owners.
They, however, mentioned that the factory workers would not be vaccinate immediately now as they are already working under strong health safety measures.
The leaders said, “Most of the workers in the sector are young. In addition, the health safety of the workers is ensured separately in all the garment factories. So, for the time being vaccination for the workers will not be necessary.”
One of the BGMEA directors - Anjan Shekhar Das told Bangladesh Post, “As the vaccine program started in the country, we are also observing the overall situation. Since we have already taken appropriate measures to prevent the coronavirus infection in the factories, we will take some time to vaccinate our workers.”
Since most of the workers are young and show no major health risks, employers are in favor of vaccinating them later. However, some labor leaders are in favor of immediate vaccination programme as Covid-19 vaccination has already started in the country.
However, BGMEA also employs about four million workers in the garment sector, the country's largest source of export earnings. As nationwide corona vaccination progrmme has recently started in the country, many workers are believed to be showing interest in getting the vaccine.
Shirajul Islam Rony, President of Bangladesh Jatiya Garments Sromik Kormochari League told the media, “If we vaccinate the workers, it will make them mentally stronger and give a positive message to the global buyers. I think it’s a responsibility for the government, garment factory owners, and even foreign buyers to take early measures to vaccinate the garment workers.”
The main export earning source of the country although have started to overcome the first wave of coronavirus, it is now again facing the second wave of the pandemic.
