RMG factory closed for defying lockdown

Mohammad Alam. Gazipur

Gazipur Metropolitan Police on Friday closed down a readymade garment factory for running operations violating government-enforced strict lockdown.

The police action came after hundreds of workers were seen leaving the factory building of Pretty Sweaters Ltd, located on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, around 1:00 pm.

The government on Friday imposed a strict lockdown until August 5 to curb the spread of Covid-19 infections. The lockdown came into force at 6:00 am.

Unlike the previous lockdowns, factories were asked to keep their operations suspended except food and food production factories and tanneries.

“As soon as we came to know of the incident, we went there and closed down the factory,” said Md Ismail Hossain, officer-in-charge of Gacha police station.

One worker, who did not give her name, said that the factory authorities ordered them to continue working ignoring the Eid holidays and lockdown.

“If we say anything or protest, we will lose our jobs. We should continue work keeping our mouths shut,” she said.

The factory authorities refused to comment on the issue.

Gazipur Deputy Commissioner SM Tarikul Islam promised to take necessary action.

“We will look into the matter and take necessary measures.”