There are only two days left for Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival for Muslims. However, Eid holidays have started in many garment factories of the country from Sunday (July 18).

It was learned that the factory owners are giving leave to the workers in phases. In many cases, it has been reported that workers’ leave is being adjusted with government leave. The workers will get leave for 7 to 10 days. However, the owners want to keep the leave until July 30.

According to the Ministry of Labor, the factory owners can increase the leave of the workers if they want. However, the government has announced a three-day holiday.

Meanwhile, the government has announced a lockdown again from 6:00 am on July 23 to midnight on August 5. But the top level of the garment factory and the business leaders of the sector have written a letter to the government and have met to keep open the factories during the lockdown. However, during this period, the restrictions for workers’ movement are likely to be relaxed from July 30 so that they can return to work. It was learned that this instruction will be issued at any time from the government.

FBCCI President Jasim Uddin has urged the government in a press statement to keep all manufacturing industries in operation.

He said, “If all the factories remain closed during the coronavirus situation, the economic activities will be stopped and the supply chain will be completely disrupted. Everyone involved, directly or indirectly, from production to the consumer will suffer.”

Trade unions in the sector have written to the Prime Minister to keep the factories open and ensure safe movement of workers.

The joint letter was signed by BKMEA President AKM Selim Osman, BTMA President Mohammad Ali Khokon, BGMEA President Faruk Hasan, BTTLMEA President Shahadat Hossain Sohail and BGAPMEA President Al Quader Pradhan.