Many readymade garment factories are running their operations breaching health guidelines with increasing the number of coronavirus infected workers slowly in this sector. At least 12 workers of the 10 apparel factories have already been infected after the units reopened last week. According to the guidelines of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, all units were supposed to run with only 30 per cent workers in the first phase during April 26-30, but most of the factories have engaged more than 50 per cent workers. Many of the manufacturers have also engaged 70-90 per cent of their workforce violating the COVID-19 guidelines. When experts suspect the spread of infection for reopening industries, breaching the health guidelines would cause serious public health danger in this time of pandemic. Following the detection of seven workers infected with coronavirus in Savar, the rate of infection was low in the area before the reopening of factories. However, the factories with corona-infected workers have not locked down. Factory authorities are allegedly trying to conceal information that the workers are working in the factories with infection.
However, BGMEA said the factories have taken necessary steps for treatment of the infected workers and quarantined the suspected workers along with those who came in close contact with the infected. The Labour Ministry on Saturday allowed garment factory workers to come back to Dhaka and its adjacent areas to join work. Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments in a letter to the BGMEA president said that if any worker needs to come back to Dhaka he/she would have to show factory identity card. Industrial Police sources said a total of 2,592 industries, including 1421 RMG and textile units remained open on Thursday. In Gazipur 873 out of 2,072 factories resumed production by Saturday. Meanwhile, the Health Minister yesterday said if the number of corona-infected workers increases in any factory, it would be kept close for some days.
Without taking adequate protective measures for the workers, reopening of RMG factories would be counterproductive for the entire RMG sector. It needs a proper health guideline for the garment factories.
However, BGMEA said the factories have taken necessary steps for treatment of the infected workers and quarantined the suspected workers along with those who came in close contact with the infected. The Labour Ministry on Saturday allowed garment factory workers to come back to Dhaka and its adjacent areas to join work. Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments in a letter to the BGMEA president said that if any worker needs to come back to Dhaka he/she would have to show factory identity card. Industrial Police sources said a total of 2,592 industries, including 1421 RMG and textile units remained open on Thursday. In Gazipur 873 out of 2,072 factories resumed production by Saturday. Meanwhile, the Health Minister yesterday said if the number of corona-infected workers increases in any factory, it would be kept close for some days.
Without taking adequate protective measures for the workers, reopening of RMG factories would be counterproductive for the entire RMG sector. It needs a proper health guideline for the garment factories.
