RMG factories can be operated with workers currently in Dhaka: home minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today said steps have been taken so that garment workers cannot enter Dhaka from outside as RMG factories will be operated on a limited scale with workers currently living in Dhaka.

"Garment factory workers who are now in Dhaka can join work…no one from outside will be allowed to enter Dhaka for work, and necessary steps have been taken in this regard," he said.

The minister announced the government decision while talking to reporters after a meeting with garment factory owners at the Secretariat.

Leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) were present during the meeting.

Garment owners said they are operating factories on a limited scale with the workers in Dhaka. They are also maintaining proper hygiene, said Asaduzzaman.

"The garment factory owners said 98 percent wages of the workers for the month of March have been paid while the rest will be paid soon. Besides, the wages for the month of April will be disbursed soon," the minister added.

The home minister also asked garments leaders to ensure health security of the workers and ensure physical distancing at the workplace.

The garment leaders informed the minister that they have introduced telemedicine service for the workers.  The home minister further instructed everyone to take necessary steps to make sure no unrest takes place in the garment sector.