Close on heels of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported decision to allow some factories to resume operations in a limited capacity after ensuring workers’ safety, media reports claimed that the industry is now mulling to set the ball rolling and resume operations by early next month, albeit in a phased manner.
Bangladesh is in a country-wide shut down till 25 April unless a decision is taken to extend it further.
The move follows after a reported survey carried out by the apex traders’ body, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), found that many factories have work orders.
“BGMEA’s first priority is ensuring the workers’ safety before factory reopening decision based on the available work orders and the overall COVID-19 situation in the country,” reportedly underlined BGMEA Senior Vice-President Faisal Samad speaking to a news daily, adding entrepreneurs discussed on options of resuming operations after adopting the security guidelines and maintaining the mandatory social distancing norms.
It may be mentioned here that many experts believe that stalling operations of the sector for an extended period is not a viable option.
