Factories to remain open during upcoming strict lockdown
Construction works will also continue during the lockdown
The government has decided to allow factories to run during the full lockdown, which will be enforced from 14 April.
The decision was taken on Sunday at a meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam.
Mohammad Hatem, first vice president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) confirmed the development to The Business Standard today.
BKMEA Vice President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan said, "Hygiene rules will be maintained strictly in the factories. Workers, who live far from factories, should be provided transports. Owners will bear the medical cost if any worker falls sick during the time. Covid-19 tests will be carried out at BGMEA's own labs in Dhaka and Chattogram if any worker found with symptoms.
"Construction works will also continue during the lockdown," he added.
Earlier on 9 April, the government decided to enforce a seven-day strict lockdown from 14 April as Covid-19 infections keep surging with each passing day.
Except for emergency service providers, all government, semi-government and private organisations, shops and markets are supposed to remain shut during the weeklong lockdown.