Infections among RMG workers increasing as factories breaching health guidelines

The number of coronavirus infected workers in readymade garment (RMG) factories is increasing as many of the units are running their operations breaching health guidelines.

According to the guidelines of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), RMG factories are supposed to operate with only 30 per cent workers in first phase during April 26-30.

But most of the factories are operating with more than 50 per cent workers.

Many are even engaging 70-90 per cent of their workforce violating COVID-19 health guidelines, according to BGMEA inspection report.

Savar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer on Thursday in a letter to Upazila Nirbahi Officer opined that coronavirus infection in the upazila has increased due to the reopening of garment factories.

After the infection of seven workers with coronavirus in Savar, he said in his letter that the rate of infection was low in the area before the factories were reopened.

The HFPO recommended closure of garment factories to restrain the rapid outbreak of the virus.

The committee on coronavirus protection at Savar on Saturday held a meeting on the issue and decided for monitoring the garment factories strictly so that they comply with health guidelines. 

Labour leaders, however, demanded to reveal the details of corona infected seven workers in Savar and to lockdown the factories in which the infected workers worked.

Bangladesh Garment Shramik Sanghati President Taslima Akhter and General Secretary Julhas Nayeen Babu on Saturday, in a statement, said the infected workers were working in three garment factories and the units were still open.

The organisation claimed that factory authorities were trying to conceal the information in which the infected workers were working.

The labour leaders alleged that many of the factories were not complying with health guidelines as no arrangements were made for washing hands and maintaining distancing.

Earlier, at least four RMG workers had tested positive with the coronavirus after they resumed working amid their respective factories in Rangpur, Jashore, Chattogram, and Pirojpur.

When asked, the BGMEA officials claimed that factories have taken necessary steps for treatment of infected workers and quarantined them s along with those who they came in close contact with. 

The labour ministry, however, on Saturday allowed garment factory workers to come back Dhaka and its adjacent areas to join work.

Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments in an office notice said, if any worker is required to return back Dhaka to join work, then he/she must have to show the factory identity card.

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