"We are totally dependent on our export proceeds," said Rubana Huq, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, which has more than 4,000 members, describing coronavirus as the "curse of the century". Bangladesh, the world's second largest garment supplier after China, is heavily-reliant on top fashion brands. Akter said workers were also scared of catching coronavirus, with Bangladesh reporting 17 cases and one death by Thursday. The International Labour Organization said in emailed comments that protective equipment, flexible working and better hygiene procedures were needed in Bangladesh's garment factories to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The government said this month that it would assess the economic damage caused by coronavirus before deciding on support packages for business.

Source: bd News24 March 19, 2020 19:41 UTC