Germany’s KiK finances Covid-19 vaccines for RMG workers in Bangladesh

German clothing discounter KiK recently donated towards the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines for garment workers in Bangladesh.

The donation was made through the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), which will be forwarded to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, BGMEA said in a press statement on Tuesday.

The donation is part of KiK's social responsibility program as a long-standing partner of the garment industry in Bangladesh. Besides sourcing garments in Bangladesh, KiK has been involved with social projects here in Bangladesh for many years and has established several charitable organizations like schools and medical stations.

"With our donation, we want to make a contribution to ensure that people in the garment industry in Bangladesh are protected in the best possible way," said KiK CEO Patrick Zahn.

He said, "As a result of our many years of close cooperation, we became very aware of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country and the garment industry in particular. People in this industry work indoors, where they are at increased risk of infection."

He added, there is no doubt that vaccination is the best protection against the coronavirus.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, "The garment industry serves as the most important pillar of the Bangladesh economy. This sector has suffered tremendously from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to do so to this day."

"To protect the entire economy of the country, it is crucial that workers and employees in this industry can be offered a vaccine," he added.

Earlier in July, Bangladesh launched a vaccination programme for its RMG workers.