Committees formed to enforce health protocol in RMG factories

The health ministry on Thursday formed committees to monitor if the garment factories are abiding by health safety guidelines to stem coronavirus transmission.

The committees – each comprising of seven members – are formed in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Manikganj and other places where apparel factories are located. 

The deputy commissioner of a respective district has been made president of such a committee. The six other members include superintendent of police, upazila nirbahi officer, lawmaker and city corporation mayor or representative on his or her behalf.

Besides, the members of various associations of apparel and textile owners such as BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA will be included in the committees as members and district civil surgeons will work as secretary members of the committees.

In the circular over forming the committees, it is been said on April 29, the health directorate sent health guidelines to every garment factory and other industrial factories in the country to save workers, employees and other members of the factories from Covid-19 infection. 

The health guidelines are being followed in several factories while most others are ignoring it, read the circular.

Regarding the situation, the committees have been formed to ensure the implementation of the health instructions.

The members of the committees will inspect the factories of their respective areas regularly. They will monitor if the workers developing Covid-19 symptoms are being tested or not and the authorities of the factories are taking steps to send the infected workers to isolation units or hospitals. The committees will submit reports to the health ministry through email.