Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Thursday said buyers have so far cancelled orders worth US$ 3 billion following the outbreak of coronavirus.

About 1,092 factories reported that 943.12 million pieces of RMG products worth US$ 3 billion have either been cancelled or held up until 5pm on Thursday, according to BGMEA sources.

This cancellation will affect approximately 2.16 million Bangladeshi workers, the sources said.

Earlier on March 23, BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq said buyers so far cancelled orders worth US$ 1.48 billion.

On a video message she said “We’re facing a dire situation. All the buyers from different places, countries and continents are suspending the orders.”

She also said there are 12 lakh workers in those factories.