ZCZC
BSS-27
BGMEA-FACTORY-CLOSURE
Factories making PPE, other essentials can remain open ensuring safety: BGMEA
DHAKA, March 27, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today said its members whom involved in producing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other materials on urgent basis can remain open their factories ensuring required safety in the holidays.
“Factories who still have international orders and engaged producing PPE and others, they will get full cooperation from BGMEA to continue their operation,” said BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq in a statement.
“But, each factory has to ensure the maximum required safety measures to contain spreading of COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.
Rubana Huq earlier urged the owners to consider closure of their factories as the nation is fighting to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
On March 23, the government declared 10-day general holidays from March 26 to April 4, aiming to prevent the transmission of deadly coronavirus.
Bangladesh, the second largest exporter of readymade goods after China, earns majority of its foreign currencies from this sector.
Coronavirus outbreak disrupted global supply chain and led to cancellation of orders and delay in shipment.
So far, 969 factories reported 828.65 million pieces worth $2.68 billion export have either been cancelled or held up affecting an estimated 1.97 million workers.
BSS/PR/MAK/MRU/2042hrs