Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) have decided to keep all of their member factories closed till April 14 in line with the government’s general holiday period.

Considering the present coronavirus situation, the BGMEA and the BKMEA came up with the decision through a joint statement issued on Monday.

However, the export-oriented factories that have work orders or involved in making emergency products such as Personal Protective Equipment, masks, gloves, handwash, hand sanitiser and medicine can continue their operation.

But for this, they have to notify their respective associations (BGMEA or BKMEA), Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments and the Industrial Police.

Besides, the two associations have requested all the factories to pay the wages of their workers and employees for March by April 16.