The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has donated a PCR lab, set up in Gazipur to conduct Covid-19 tests of garment workers, to the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS).

The BGMEA handed over the PCR lab to the BADAS at a programme held in the capital Saturday.

Dr AK Azad Khan, president of the BADAS and national professor, was present at the ceremony as the chief guest; BGMEA senior vice-president SM Mannan chaired it.

Mannan and Azad signed an agreement for the handover of the PCR lab.

Expressing thanks to BGMEA for setting up the PCR lab, the BADAS president hoped that the Diabetic Association and the BGMEA would take more joint initiatives for providing health services to garment workers.

READ: BGMEA wants to increase RMG exports to Canada, promote positive image

The BGMEA Senior Vice-President said it had been possible for the BGMEA to give services to apparel workers by setting up the PCR lab with the support of a renowned health service provider like the BADAS.

BADAS member A Matin Chowdhury welcomed the PCR lab donation saying: "It is a good example of a private-private partnership."

He thanked both BADAS and BGMEA for the success of the BADAS-BGMEA Covid-19 Diagnostic project. Stressing the importance of health care for garment workers, he said it helps to reduce absenteeism and enhance productivity.

READ: BGMEA chief invites Canadian businessmen to invest in Bangladesh

BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim and Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam also spoke at the event.

BGMEA Vice-President Shahidullah Azim, Vice-President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam; directors MA Rahim (Feroz), Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Md Khosru Chowdhury, Rajiv Chowdhury; former director Md Moshiul Azam (Shajal), founder chairman of the BGMEA University of Fashion Technology board of trustees Muzaffar U Siddique, and Professor Dr Zahid Hassan, director of BADAS-BGMEA Covid-19 Diagnostic Project, were also present.