Factories will be required to ensure worker’s safety and health service facilities during this period. Export oriented factories, including readymade garment (RMG) factories, and pharmaceuticals can be kept open during the public holidays, which has already been extended till May 5. Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification to confirm the matter on Thursday, following the prime minister’s instructions. However, factories will be required to ensure worker’s safety and health service facilities during this period. Earlier, on April 20, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: “RMG owners may continue operation with a few workers if they can provide safe accommodation and transportation for the workers.” All mill-factories and agriculture farms connected to production and supply-chain of RMG will be gradually opened,based on the coronavirus situation, said the notification. To ensure social distancing in order to prevent coronavirus from spreading further, Bangladesh has been observing general holidays since March 26, which is set to continue til May 5. The government has discouraged movement after 6pm, instructing everyone to stay at home. Violation of this directive has, at times, resulted in legal action. According to the fresh gazette notification, emergency services such as power, gas, water, internet, fire service, telephone, media, and ambulance are exempt from the shutdown. Food and goods transportation through road and waterways will also continue during the holidays. Coronavirus has so far infected 4,186 people and killed 127 people in Bangladesh.
