At least 22 garment factories in the Ashulia industrial area were shut down indefinitely on Wednesday, following unresolved negotiations between workers and factory owners over different demands.

Md Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, confirmed the matter to the journalists.

He said, "In the face of worker protests, authorities have indefinitely closed 22 factories in the Ashulia Industrial Zone under Section 13(1) of the labour law. Additionally, in some factories, workers are sitting idle without working."

"As of now, no workers have taken to the streets. However, we fear that if workers from any major factory walk out, the situation could escalate at any moment," he added.

Police and army personnel were stationed outside the factory gate, while workers remained gathered inside.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, Legal Affairs Secretary of the Garments and Sweater Workers' Trade Union Centre, said that the shutdown under Section 13(1) will escalate worker protests.

"No work, no pay means workers won't receive wages during the closure. Such decisions heighten anger and narrow the chances of negotiation with owners," he said, urging factory owners to reconsider.