BGMEA advises not to ask workers to return to Dhaka
The owners of the garment factories have been strictly advised not to ask any workers to return to Dhaka amid the coronavirus shutdown.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) made the request in the line of the government decision on extending shutdown of public transports till May 5 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.
BGMEA Media Public Relation Standing Committee Chairman Khan Monirul Alam Shuvo said, "BGMEA has already sent the message to all of its members. The directive also has been uploaded on BGMEA website."
"To keep the economy running, and considering the overall situation BGMEA will advise you on opening of factories," said the BGMEA directive.
"Until this direction is received, you are kindly requested not to ask workers (who are in their villages) to return to Dhaka," it added.
"A zone-wise staggered approach will be adopted to open the factories in a limited capacity. In first phase, you are advised to ask only the workers who are living nearby your factories to join," said BGMEA.
"BGMEA is requesting you not to retrench any workers on humanitarian ground. If under any circumstances, the workers residing outside return to Dhaka in an unorganised situation, then BGMEA will not be able to help you as an association in this regards" the general instruction added.