Hard lockdown: RMG factories to remain open, workers will walk

Health safety rules will be rigorously maintained in the factories, apparel owners say

The government has decided to allow apparel factories to remain operational during the strict seven-day Covid lockdown that will start from Thursday morning.

However, apparel factories across the country will remain open under special arrangements during the strict lockdown, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan on Wednesday.

Since no movement pass will be issued this time, only workers who live near the factories will be able to come for work, he added.

He said that workers can reach their concerned factories on foot, in rickshaws, or by riding bicycles.

“The same goes for the owners. Only those who live in close proximity to the factories will be able to come to work.

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“We want to implement the government’s plan. At the same time, we want our factories to continue production even if on a limited scale,” the BGMEA chief said.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hatem, vice-president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) said all the Covid-19 health safety rules will be rigorously maintained inside the factories.

The owners will take measures for the transportation of the workers, he said, adding: “Most of our workers come to work on foot on regular days. Thus they should not have any problem this time as public transport will remain shut.”

He also said that everyone will come to work by showing their ID cards to the law enforcers and then enter the factories.

Mohammad Hatem added that senior workers and officials, who live far away but need to be at work during this lockdown, will arrange accommodation near the factories for a few days.

“If needed, they can even stay inside the factories,” he added.