Bangladesh RMG manufacturers fear that the government’s decision to keep garment factories closed for 14 days amid a peak season for export and purchase orders might hit the apparel industry hard.

As per a Dhaka Tribune Report, from July 23, the Bangladesh government decided to shut all kinds of industries, including apparel factories till August 5 to contain the rising rate of COVID-19.

However, manufacturers argue, this may prevent them from completing the received orders for Spring and Summer from US and Europe. They will not be able to supply the products in accordance with the lead time as per the purchase order. Then foreign buyers will cancel the purchase orders or take advantage of the discounts, said apparel manufacturers.

They also said that the garment workers will run to the village with their families if they get two weeks off and come in contact with many people, thus increasing the risk of infections.

Shahidullah Azim, Vice President, BGMEA, says, June, July and August are the peak season for exporting apparel items — especially winter clothes and closing of factories might result in order cancellations and surge in discounts as Europe and US markets are stabilizing. Buyers might even shift their orders for spring and summer seasons to competing countries if they fail to deliver in time, he adds.

Azhar Khan, Chairman, LEED Platinum certified Mithela Textile Industries, adds, the shutdown till July 30 would have been more appropriate as it would coincide with the Eid holidays. Mostafiz Uddin, Managing Director of Chittagong-based Denim Expert urges the government to reconsider the decision to protect the lifeline of the country's economy.