Business leaders on Thursday requested the government to reopen garment factories and other industries amid the countrywide stringent lockdown.

BGMEA President Farooq Hasan disclosed the information to the reporters after a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam at the Secretariat.

"We have requested the government to reopen industries. The cabinet secretary will take a quick decision after talking to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he said.

He hoped that the government will consider their request.

The government reinforced 14-day strict lockdown restrictions following Eid vacation till August 5.

Unlike the all out restrictions before Eid, mills and factories were instructed to remain closed during this time.

There are speculations that the government might extend the lockdown as the Covid infections are at its peak shattering records of highest single day transmissions and deaths every other day.