A joint-forces operation, combining the army, local police, and industrial police, began Monday night to prevent further unrest in the garment industrial areas in Dhaka and Gazipur, and to detain the “politically-motivated instigators” of the crisis.

Around 35 garment factories in Ashulia, and at least ten others in Gazipur were forced to shut operations Monday due to the labour unrest where many non-workers were seen wearing helmets and likely instigating workers to attack factories in the areas, according to a senior BGMEA official.

In response to the crisis, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury held a meeting with BGMEA and BKMEA leaders, and consequently came up with the decision to launch joint operations.

The authorities have reportedly asked the army and other law enforcers to avoid harassing genuine workers and labour leaders during the drive.

On Monday, the protesting workers made some “never-before-heard” demands including jobs and equal employment opportunities for both male and female workers in the industrial areas.

The also blocked two crucial roads in Ashulia: the Nabinagar-Chandra and Baipail-Abdullahpur roads. While, army intervention persuaded workers to lift the blockade on the latter route, the blockade continued on the former one.