The government's decision to reopen garment factories and other export-related industries from August 1 will increase the risk of Covid-19 transmission, said the chairman of the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19.

Talking to The Daily Star today, NTAC Chairman Dr Mohammad Shahidullah, said they had suggested to the government to impose a two-week lockdown and the government enforced the lockdown, from July 23 to August 5.

"Science says two weeks' strict lockdown will surely break the chain of transmission. But the latest decision of the government [to open factories] will surely increase the risk of infection transmission."

He said if health guidelines are not properly followed in the factories then the infection will surge.

Earlier today, the Cabinet Division in a circular said all export-oriented factories and industries will be open from August 1.