Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) on Friday instructed all its member factories to keep their units closed until April 04 amid the coronavirus outbreak. The trade body gave the special instruction two day after the government announced Tk 50 billion in virus fund to be used only for paying wages and allowances to the workers and other employees of export oriented industries. Besides, the central bank also came with other support, it added. BKMEA in a statement said, “The industry will survive with the survival of workers and the country will grow.” In such a situation, no workers should be affected, the BKMEA said asking all its member factories to remain closed until April 04 in line with government’s decision. The government announced closure of all public and private offices from March 26 to April 04 to contain the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19 spread. The BKMEA also instructed its members to make the workers aware of the current situation and ensure they stay in their present living places. Earlier on March 25, BKMEA urged members to keep factories open by ensuring adequate safety and close those that don’t have work orders. On the otherhand, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Thursday recommended all its member factories to keep their units closed until April 04 amid the coronavirus outbreak. “Factories, if they decide to keep it open will have to ensure maximum safety and hygiene for their workers and will have to keep them open and take responsibility of their workers,” BGMEA predident Dr Rubana Huq said.
