The readymade garment (RMG) and textile factories across the country will reopen on Wednesday (August 7), according to industry insiders.
After an emergency meeting on Tuesday evening, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the apex trade body of the country's RMG manufacturers, urged its members to open their factories on Wednesday.
BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel, a participant at the meeting, told Dhaka Tribune that they were going to reopen their factories for the betterment of the country's economy and the workers.
In a separate statement, Sulov Chowdhury, CEO of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), urged its members to reopen their factories as there is an announcement to keep industrial units open in the present context.
However, considering the current situation, he also urged the BKMEA member factories to ensure the overall safety of the factories, along with their workers.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has not officially given any instructions to open or close factories at their meeting on Tuesday night.
Millers can reopen their textile mills by ensuring the overall safety and security of the mills and the workers by themselves, otherwise mill owners can keep their factories closed, said a BTMA source.
Earlier, on August 4, industry leaders announced the closure of all garment factories in the country due to the ongoing student movement.
Then on Monday afternoon, Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister amid nationwide protests, subsequently fleeing the country.
Later that day, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed the nation, announcing that an interim government would soon be established.
On Tuesday afternoon, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament to make way for the formation of an interim administration.
