The government has decided to reopen all export-oriented industrial factories Sunday (August 1) amid the ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
A gazette notification has been issued to this connection by the cabinet division on Friday (July 30).
“Export-oriented factories have been pulled out of the ongoing safety restrictions from 6am August 1 considering the overall situation,” the gazette read. Earlier on July 23, the country entered a 14-day lockdown which was described to be ‘toughest ever’ till August 5 midnight. Armed forces personnel have been deployed to implement the Covid-19 safety protocols.
According to the guidelines, all modes of public transports, government and private offices have been remaining closed. All factories remained closed except those of food production and processing, tannery and medicine.
But, RMG owners requested the government to reopen factories as there are export concerns.
However, different government high ups said, reopening the factories won’t be possible as the coronavirus infection needs to be controlled.
Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) thanked the government including prime minister Sheikh Hasina for giving the approval.
