The government has decided to reopen all export-oriented factories from next Sunday (August 1).
A notification signed by Cabinet Division’s deputy secretary Rezaul Islam confirmed the matter on Friday. All export-oriented factories will be remained out of purview of the ongoing restrictions from 6.00 am on Sunday, said the notification.
The government has been adamant about shutting down factories during the ongoing lockdown amid spread of deadly coronavirus infections. However, the industrialists were repeatedly requesting the upper echelons of the government to open all kinds of export-oriented factories, including the ready-made garment industry.
On Thursday, they again appealed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for reopening factories.
The leaders of BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMEA, Dhaka Chamber and FBCCI made the request in a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam at the Secretariat.
They say they have been forced to make the request because of fears of losing international markets, supply chain disruptions, port congestion, and the overall economy impact.
A two-week strict lockdown is going on across the country including the capital to prevent transmission of the deadly coronavirus infection. The restrictions will be continued till August 5.
