Thousands of RMG workers who had left capital Dhaka and its suburbs earlier, have started returning to their respective workplaces amid high risk of Covid-19 as their factories reopen today (Sunday).
With all communication systems shut, the workers are boarding goods-laden trucks, vans, and light vehicles and are even walking in large numbers and gathering at different ferry ghats across the country to return to the capital city.
They are moving in large numbers, posing a serious threat to the spread of Covid19.
Based on different updates from correspondents, it was learned that working people of the southwestern region’s 28 districts, are crossing Paturia-Daulatdia, Kathalbari- Shimulia Ferry Ghats and traveling to different parts of the country including Dhaka. A garment worker at Paturia ghat said, “Our factory will open from Sunday (today) if we remain absent our job will be at risk. On the other hand, we did not get our last month’s salary too. Hence, despite transport shutdown, we are risking our lives to reach Dhaka”.
When asked about the fear of coronavirus spread for the large gatherings, they replied that if they did not go to their workplaces, their families would have to starve.
On the other hand, they are also paying double fare to reach Dhaka. From Paturia Ghat to Nabinagar the bus fare is Tk 50, but on Saturday they were paying TK 100 or even more if any vehicle (truck, human hular) agreed to carry them.
Kathalbari Ferry Ghat manager Abdul Alim while talking to journalists said, “As per the government decision, we are operating three out of 17 ferries only to facilitate emergency vehicles. Suddenly, passenger pressure has increased in the last two days, as there is no launch or speed boat, they are crossing the river using ferry”.
When people have been asked to stay inside their respective homes in order to protect themselves from the deadly virus, this exodus of RMG workers will deteriorate the coronavirus situation, experts fear.
“As factories are opening, workers are trying desperately reach their respective workplaces despite the suspension of public transports. This is certainly risky”, Dr. ASM Alamgir, Principal Scientific Officer of Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control And Research told Bangladesh Post.
It is to be noted, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on March 26 in an open letter urged its members to close garment factories till April 4 amid the coronavirus situation in the country.
As they got no new update regarding their holidays, the RMG workers are flocking to different parts of the capital city.
When connected, BGMEA president Rubana Huq said, the workers are returning as per the previous direction. However, if any garment owners want to keep their factories open, they have to ensure the highest health safety.
“There is no way to announce anything new, workers are returning as per previous notification. If any factory has an export order, ensuring the highest health safety measure it can operate. There is no restriction, even no one is forcing anyone”, said Rubana.
“From our side, we are ready to help with all sorts of measures if anyone needs”, she added.
According to BGMEA statistics, till March 3, more than $3 billion export orders were canceled or put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.