Factories open maintaining hygiene rules in Gazipur

Though factories and industries are opened in Gazipur amid nationwide lockdown but the government's instruction for arranging transport facilities for factory workers is being ignored by owners in most of the factories in Gazipur.

The factories are being operated amid lockdown as per the government decision following health guidelines.  

As there is no arrangement for transports, the workers are facing hassle for going to the workplace amid restrictions.

They are coming to their workplaces by rickshaw, auto rickshaws or walking.

To tackle the second wave of the pandemic, the workers are made wearing masks, washing hands.

The workers are being allowed to enter after their temperatures are being measured.

The workers are satisfied with the steps authorities have taken.

Tania, a worker of Sadma Fashion says, "We want to continue working by following the health guidelines. If we follow the rules, there should not be any problem. But if we do not work, we will die out of hunger."

Director of Sadma Fashion, Sohel Rana informed that they have made an agreement with four hospitals so that if any worker gets infected, the hospitals will provide help.

"So far 12 teams from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) are working to provide masks, hand sanitizer and ensure social distance in every factory. Steps will be taken against if any factory defies the rules," said Md Nasir Uddin, director of BGMEA.

While asked about the transportation, he said, "80 percent of our workers live around the factories, they come by walking. Other merchandisers, staffs and officers come by their personal transports."

"No worker will come to the factory using public transport," he added.

Sushanta Sarkar, additional police superintendent of Industrial police at Gazipur zone said, "The industrial area has been divided in various zones. Besides industrial police, district administration, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, metropolitan police are working to ensure health guidelines being followed.

"If any owner of a factory defies the rules, we will make him oblige," he added.