A COVID-19 testing lab for the country’s readymade garment workers was launched at Chandra on Thursday. The lab has the capacity to test 400 samples daily. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in cooperation with Diabetic Association of Bangladesh took the initiative to set up three PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) laboratories at Chandra, Tongi and Naraganganj. As part of the joint move, the first PCR COVID-19 testing lab at Chandra was launched through a video conference. The rest two will be launched shortly. Private industry and investment advisor to Prime Minister Salman F Rahman, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Health Minister Zahid Maleque, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association former president MA Matin Chowdhury and BADAS President Professor Dr AK Azad Khan, among others, were present during the launching ceremony. Speaking at the event, speakers stressed the need for isolation and quarantine to minimise the spread of coronavirus in the different industrial zones. Salman F Rahman called on large companies with big factory premises to arrange isolation facility for their workers. DNCC Mayor Atiqul said that more testing of samples are required to identify the infected workers, isolate them and provide the required treatment. BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq said that the trade body has signed agreement with BADAS and a few other private hospitals for isolation of the infected RMG workers.
