Factory opening depends on Covid-19, says BGMEA

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will reopen its factories after the coronavirus situation improves.

"BGMEA position is very clear on this. We need to be safe first before we operate. If situation improves, inshallah we will, when the time is right. But for now the first and only priority is the health and safety of our workers," BGMEA President Rubana Huq told The Business Standard tonight

The government Thusrday declared the entire Bangladesh at risk of a coronavirus pandemic as the number of Covid-19 positive cases across the country has increased sharply in the last few days.

In a circular issued on Thursday afternoon, Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Abul Kalam Azad said, "The virus has spread to many areas of the country. As it spreads from person to person, it is not possible to contain the virus without banning people going out of home." 

"So, the whole country is now at the risk of the pandemic," Professor Abul Kalam Azad said in the circular.

"People must stay at home to curb the spread of the virus. None should go out of home unless it is an absolutely emergency. No one should move from one area to another. And none will be allowed to stay out of home from 6pm to 6am," he added.

Earlier on April 4, thousands of garment workers scrambled to reach their work places in Dhaka and adjoining areas, raising risks of coronavirus infection as apparel owners decided to reopen their factories from April 5.