Post-Eid 14-Day Lockdown: Govt in a dilemma over factories

While the state minister for public administration warned that the upcoming lockdown after Eid will be stricter than the last, the government is yet to decide whether export-oriented factories will be operational or not during that time.

"We will transition from a strict lockdown to a stricter one during the next 14-day lockdown that will start right after Eid," said Farhad Hossain, public administration minister, while addressing the media at a Border Guard Battalion programme in Chuadanga.

However, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi had earlier told The Daily Star that he had been facing a lot of pressure from the business communities, especially export-oriented garment-makers, to let the factories stay open.

"I will have a meeting with government high-ups and the expert committee very soon to find ways to keep the factories running during the lockdown," he said.

A high official of the commerce ministry yesterday told The Daily Star that the garments owners are negotiating with the government.

"This is a national emergency so the health issue will get importance, but the demands made by the garments owners is also logical. Their demands are being considered with special importance," said the source.

He, however, said the factories producing daily essentials like sugar, oil or flour will remain open to keep the supply chain intact.

The cabinet secretary was supposed to meet the prime minister to make a decision about whether or not to keep factories open during the 14-day lockdown, but that meeting was postponed.

During the previous lockdown, the general public adhered to the rules during the first few days. However, crowds began thronging the streets soon after.

Hawkers, small traders and daily wage earners, who get by on daily wages, were seen the most.

Farhad Hossain's announcement about a stricter lockdown came at a time when preparations for Eid-ul-Azha are in full swing and all health precautions have been thrown out the window.

Thousands of people have been leaving the capital to celebrate the Eid-ul-Azha with their families.

Almost no bus or launch had a vacant seat, even though the government instructed the operators to run at half-capacity. Many home-goers were not wearing face masks.

The situation was similar at the cattle markets as there were huge crowds and a lack of face masks on them.

"There is a large economy surrounding Eid-ul-Azha. A lot of farmers have reared their cattle [for the festival]. Keeping such issues in mind, we had to relax the lockdown," said Farhad.

"However, safety precautions need to be maintained."

Factories were out of the purview of the lockdown that began on July 1 and finished on July 14.