Workers of two apparel factories abandoned their work in panic on Tuesday after one of them tested positive with Covid-19 at Jhikargacha upazila in Jessore.
The workers of Divine Garments Ltd and Chowgacha Factory also warned they would not return to work unless their safety was assured, as well as being given guarantees that they would not lose their jobs for not working during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sources said after factories reopened across the country, a male and female worker in the morning shift on Sunday were denied entry into their respective factories after their temperatures were found to be high, indicating coronavirus-like symptoms in them.
Later when they underwent tests for Covid-19 at Chowgachha Upazila Health Complex, the female worker's lab test returned positive.
When news of the worker’s testing positive reached the factories on Tuesday morning, the workers panicked and, abandoning their posts, demonstrated in front of their workplaces.
Jhikargacha Union Nirbahi Officer Zahidul Islam and general secretary of the upazila's Awami League unit Mehedi Masud Chowdhury went to the spot to pacify the workers.
After they accepted the workers' demands for full safety measures and guarantees that the factory owners would not lay them off during the pandemic, the workers returned to work.
Despite repeated attempts, the owner of both the factories, Hasanuzzaman Rahin, could not be reached for comment.
