Authorities of two ready-made garment (RMG) factories in Ashulia declared an indefinite shutdown on Wednesday, leaving around 4,000 workers in uncertainty.
The owners hung closure notices at the main gates of the factories in the morning, preventing workers from entering the premises.
According to workers, the factories—Fashion Forum Ltd in Jamgora area and JA Apparels in Kuturia—were shut down following recent labour unrest. Workers arriving at the factories in the morning found the gates closed and attempted to stage protests but were dispersed by police.
Workers alleged that the factories were closed without clearing their dues, leaving thousands of employees in distress.
Later, the workers staged a human chain programme in the area, demanding reopening of the factories and payment of their wages and benefits.
Additional police have been deployed in front of the factories to avoid any untoward situation.
Ashulia Industrial Police-1 Superintendent Mominul Islam said discussions are underway with the factory authorities to reopen the units. Extra police have been deployed to maintain law and order, he added.