Bangladesh government allowed readymade garments factories to run during the ‘strict’ lockdown will start from April 14.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association first Vice-President Mohammad Hatem confirmed the matter to Textile Today.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Khandoker Anwarul Islam where Mohammad Abdus Salam, Acting President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Mohammad Ali Khokon, President, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association attended among others.
Leaders of BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, and Bangladesh Exporters Association earlier at a press conference at a hotel in the capital urged the government to keep the sector and its backward linkage out of the sphere of the ‘strict’ lockdown.
BGMEA Acting President Salam read out a written speech on behalf of all the above-mentioned trade bodies, where he said, “We do not know when the COVID-19 pandemic will be over or how long will it prolong. We have to face the present situation based on our experiences.”
“The apparel sector has already proved its resilience during the pandemic and has helped the authorities control the infection rate by complying with health safety guidelines.”
“Based on the success in containing COVID infection last year, I think a full-fledged implementation of health safety guidelines and monitoring should be in place for the sake of all workers and the industry.”
“BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA and other organisations are committed to follow health safety guidelines and work hand in hand with the government in this regard,” he said.
State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain announced on Friday that the government would enforce a strict lockdown for a week starting from April 14. Except for emergency services, all government and private offices and factories will remain closed during the strict lockdown.
