BGMEA this time can show little sympathy to poor workers
BANGLADESH Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s president Rubana Huq told the media on Friday that reopening of their factories on April 26 fully depends on the improvement of coronavirus situation in the country. Presently they are observing the situation. She said they will consult relevant stakeholders and the authorities concerned before reopening the RMG factories. It’s to be noted that BGMEA earlier had taken decision to reopen its factories from April 26 as the ongoing coronavirus shutdown and public holidays are set to end on April 25, unless the government extends it further. Not only that the apex body of the apparel sector had also tried to reopen the factories on April 5. For such decision several thousand workers came to Dhaka from the adjoining districts amid shutdown taking serious risk of coronavirus infection. Later, the BGMEA authorities backtracked from its decision as the government extended the shutdown until April 25.
Meanwhile, the health officials on Thursday announced that the entire Bangladesh is at risk of the coronavirus pandemic while the infection has now spread to different parts of the country. The government asked people to stay inside houses as it will not be possible to contain the spread of the virus if physical distancing cannot be ensured. Day by day, the number of coronavirus cases and mortality is increasing in the country. Presently, strict measures are needed to ensure stay at home order and maintain social distancing though we don’t ruled out the sufferings of marginal-income group workers who have no other way for alternative earnings. Many factory owners with their self initiatives have given salaries of workers before shutdown their factories. But many still didn’t pay the workers despite getting government incentives.
Whatever it is, the BGMEA leaders should have to take a coordinated decision in this regard. We must say there should not be recurrence of April 5 incident.
Meanwhile, the health officials on Thursday announced that the entire Bangladesh is at risk of the coronavirus pandemic while the infection has now spread to different parts of the country. The government asked people to stay inside houses as it will not be possible to contain the spread of the virus if physical distancing cannot be ensured. Day by day, the number of coronavirus cases and mortality is increasing in the country. Presently, strict measures are needed to ensure stay at home order and maintain social distancing though we don’t ruled out the sufferings of marginal-income group workers who have no other way for alternative earnings. Many factory owners with their self initiatives have given salaries of workers before shutdown their factories. But many still didn’t pay the workers despite getting government incentives.
Whatever it is, the BGMEA leaders should have to take a coordinated decision in this regard. We must say there should not be recurrence of April 5 incident.
