At least 40 garment factories in the industrial areas of Savar and Ashulia have been declared closed indefinitely by their authorities amid workers’ unrest.

The factories have been shut under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, which enforces the ‘no work, no pay’ policy. As a result, workers will not receive wages during the closure period.

Meanwhile, authorities declared a general holiday at another five to six factories in the industrial areas on Saturday as workers did not report for duty.

Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, confirmed the development at around 9:45am on Saturday (November 14).

He said at least 40 garment factories in Savar and Ashulia remained closed indefinitely under Section 13(1) of the Labour Act due to workers’ unrest. Another five to six factories announced a general holiday as workers did not join their workplaces.

However, no untoward incidents were reported in the industrial areas on Saturday, he added.

Meanwhile, labour leaders have expressed concern that the decision to shut factories under Section 13(1) could further aggravate workers’ dissatisfaction.

Khairul Mamun, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers Trade Union Centre, said the move could increase resentment among workers, as they would not receive wages during the closure period. He warned that such a decision could further fuel the ongoing workers’ movement.