The outbreak of coronavirus has led to a massive increase in the demand for masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). As a result, hawkers have begun selling masks on the footpaths of Dhaka.
However, low quality and used masks have made their way into the market and may endanger those who rely on them when going outdoors.
Prof Nazrul Islam, virology expert and former vice-chancellor (VC) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, told Dhaka Tribune the World Health Organization (WHO) has set certain criteria that PPE must meet. PPE that do not meet the criteria and are made from low quality fabric, provide no more protection than normal clothing.
People who falsely believe they are protected while wearing PPE may end up with Covid-19, he added.
Several hawkers were found selling masks and PPE on the Progoti Saroni footpath in Badda. The various models of PPE ranged in price from Tk300-1200.
The cheapest items of PPE were made of cloth used to make tissue bags. Others were made of waterproof material like that used to make raincoats.
Jasim Uddin, a hawker on the footpath in front of Uttar Badda vegetable market, said he used to sell garment export surplus items such as shirts and pants before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he has to provide for his family by selling PPE items as an alternative.
“Suppliers are giving me these items by van or motorcycle, as per the demand,” he said.
Aminul Islam, a hawker in the Suvastu Tower area of North Badda, said PPE is now available at the wholesale market as various garment factories are producing them.
PPE sales were also booming on social media and e-commerce sites during public ‘holidays’ enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus. The products are also being sold in department stores and pharmacies at varying prices.
Despite questions about the quality of the PPE, many are still using them when they go to workplaces and markets, fearing contracting Covid-19.
Meanwhile, a fraud ring has been selling used PPE after washing them. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has already detained some members of the ring.
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On April 24, a RAB mobile court recovered two trucks of used masks, PPE, and gloves, in the Vatara area of Dhaka, near Badda. RAB officials said the used protective equipment was washed and prepared for resale in the wholesale market.
Sarooer Alam, executive magistrate of RAB, said it is very risky to reuse any type of PPE without government approval.
“Those who are cheating in the name of selling personal protective equipment in a time of crisis on footpaths, social media, and e-commerce, will face action. It is an ongoing process,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Virology expert Prof Nazrul Islam said used PPE is usually burned after use. If it is sold again in the market, it becomes a risk factor.
“Used PPE might infect those who buy them, thinking they are new,” he added.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) leaders say they are strictly following WHO directions when making PPE.
The PPE crisis in the country will go down over the coming days as they are producing a huge amount of the items, they added.
Md Shahidul Haque Mukul, director of BGMEA, told Dhaka Tribune the instructions of the Department of Health are being followed when making PPE.
“Fabric has to be imported from China. The production process has to be completed in a sterile environment in the factory,” he added, mentioning that maintaining the safety of garment workers was also a high priority.
He also said low quality PPE being sold in the market are being made in small factories.