Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Rubana Huq has said the reopening of their factories on April 26 entirely depends on the development of coronavirus situation in the country. “The factories will resume operations after the situation improves,” Huq said on Friday.
Her remarks came day after the government on Thursday declared that the entire Bangladesh at risk of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of Covid-19 cases has witnessed a sharp rise in over the past couple of days. Huq insisted that their focus is now on safety rather than doing business. “The BGMEA's position is clear. The first and foremost priority is now to ensure the health of and safety to our workers,” she said.
Meanwhile, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) AKM Salim Osman said, “The decision was taken to close BKMEA member institutions till April 26 at the consequence of the government's effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.” “However, if a factory wants open its office to pay workers’ wages during this time, it must inform the BKMEA and the industrial police,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday Director General for health services Prof Abul Kalam Azad in an office order said the government declared all the districts at risk. It said, "The virus has spread too many areas of the country. As it spreads from human-to-human, it is not possible to contain the virus without banning people from going out." Those who will violate the order and go out without an emergency will face legal action, it added.
