Textiles factories in Dhaka’s Savar upazila should remain closed in order to contain the spread of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) through its workers, says Savar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Saimul Huda.
Dr Saimul Huda sent a letter to Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Parvezur Rahman over this concern of national health security on Thursday.
However, no decision in this regard has been announced so far.
Meanwhile, seven textile workers tested positive for Covid-19 in Savar on Friday, confirmed Dr Nazmul Huda Mithu of Savar Upazila Health Complex.
He said: “After we sent 51 samples for testing on Thursday, eight results came back as positive, of whom, seven are RMG workers.”
Dr Saimul Huda said: “The coronavirus situation has been worsening by the day since the lockdown was lifted and the garment factories were reopened in Savar. If the factories aren’t kept closed and the area isn’t kept under lockdown, the situation may turn dangerous.”
He further said that Savar is an industrial area and is inhabited by workers, resulting in informal crowded urban settlements. “The number of Covid-19 cases have been increasing since the factories were opened. That’s why I have sent a letter to the UNO requesting the local administration’s intervention in keeping the factories shut.”
Copies of the letter have been sent to the Prime Minister's Office, the Department of Health and the District Civil Surgeon, he added.
On the matter, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman said: “The ministry concerned will take a decision on these issues.
However, Savar UNO Parvezur Rahman could not be reached for his comment on the topic.
