Export oriented factories to remain open amid ‘strict lockdown’

Readymade garment and all other export-oriented factories will remain open during the nationwide ‘strict lockdown’ which is set to begin on Monday.

Sources of Bangladesh Garment Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BGMEA) confirmed the news to media citing a circular issued by the organisation.

“Export-oriented factories will not remain under the purview of the lockdown. However, strict health protocols should be maintained in keeping the factories open.” the circular read.

Earlier on Saturday, Bangladesh Garments Buying House Association sent an application to the Cabinet Secretary Khondokar Anwarul Islam requesting permission to keep the factories operational on a limited scale during the lockdown.

The leaders of the organisation also said that they have received a positive response from the government.

Earlier on Friday, Press Information Department Principal Information Officer Surath Kumar Sarker said that the government is going to enforce a new nationwide "strict lockdown" on Monday.

The restrictions will remain in place for seven days unless extended.

Government and private offices, barring those of emergency services, will remain closed during this period.

All modes of transport, except those carrying emergency goods, will also remain suspended and nobody will be allowed to go out unless there is an emergency.