Exporters make fresh call to run factories from August 1

Apparel and textile exporters have made a renewed call to the government to allow them to reopen factories from August 1.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan made the fresh call during a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam on Thursday.

“Right now, vaccinating the workers is very important to keep the economic activities running. As the government has enough vaccines doses, we will be able to vaccinate a good number of workers if factories are allowed to reopen, Faruque Hassan told The Business Post.

On the other hand, lifting the bar on running factories on August 5 would create a rush on the day, said Hassan.

“That is why we are requesting the government to allow running factories from August 1. It will help keep the supply chain okay as well as bring more workers under vaccination,” he added.

“If the factories remain closed, it will hit the total supply chain and create a shortage of different types of products linked with exports,” Faruque argued.

Additionally, it will delay the inoculation of workers despite having vaccine supply, he added.

BKMEA President Salim Osman, FBCCI President Jashim Uddin, BGMEA vice presidents Shahidullah Azim and Khandaker Rafiqul Islam joined the meeting.

DCCI President Rezwan Rahman and BKMEA first vice president Mohammad Hatem also were present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh on July 19 began vaccinating workers from the export-oriented apparel industry.

The vaccination programme began at Gazipur, where some 10,000 workers from four factories received the vaccine in the opening phase.

More to follow...