Three garment factories in Ashulia, on the outskirts of Dhaka, were looted and vandalized by masked miscreants on Monday, prompting authorities to declare about 50 nearby factories closed as tensions escalated.

The attacks targeted factories under Alif Village Limited, including Alif Embroidery Village Ltd, Lam Meem Apparels Ltd, and Lam Meem Associates Ltd, all located in the Tongibari area. According to Refai Siddique, Manager of HR Admin for the Ashulia zone, around 1,500 workers had reported to work as usual in the morning when the violence erupted.

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“A group of masked individuals stormed the factories, causing extensive damage,” said Siddique. When security personnel attempted to intervene, the attackers beat up 20 guards, leaving them injured. The assailants also looted valuables from the factories before fleeing the scene.

On Sunday night, workers at Euphoria Apparels Ltd staged demonstrations demanding bonuses, an increase in tiffin allowances, and the payment of August salaries. The protest escalated into a clash with police, during which the agitated workers vandalized vehicles belonging to the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and the Army.

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The situation in Ashulia remains tense, with additional Rab and Army forces deployed to maintain order. In connection with the unrest, eleven people have been arrested.