Dhaka
Due to the
rising rate of Covid-19, the factories and industries in Bangladesh will close
from July 23 till August 5, according to the Cabinet Division. This lockdown is
applicable for all kinds of industries including apparel factories, as per the
notification the relaxed directives are asked to conduct trade and other economic
activities before Eid-ul-Azha. Earlier, export-oriented factories including
apparel factories were allowed to operate but now the case is different. Other
than this, markets, shopping malls, resorts, tourist spots, recreational
centres, and community centres will also remain shut.
According to SM
Mannan Kochi, Senior Vice President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and
Exporters Association, the association is in a dilemma as there are a lot of
purchase orders that need to be fulfilled but the condition of Covid-19 is
getting worse in the country. He also said that if the factories will close for
two weeks it will affect the sector and will bring a huge loss. This can lead
to the cancellation of the orders.
He added that
the country, people, and economy are on the same page. According to him, there
is going to be a meeting with the former president regarding this issue and a
possible solution will help everyone.
As per Babul
Akhtar, Chairman, BGIWF, the factories will be fully operational between July
29 and August 1 after Eid. In such a case a closure till August 5 will not
impact exports much.
Source – Dhaka Tribune
Also Read: