Dhaka, Nov. 2 -- Nearly 400 garment factories in Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur have declared a holiday amid violence and vandalism during protests demanding higher minimum wages.

The closures include 264 factories in Savar and Ashulia and more than 150 in Gazipur, authorities said on Monday.

Industrial Police also reported vandalism at eight factories.

Twelve police personnel were injured in clashes with workers, while two people were arrested.

Mohammad Muminul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of Industrial Police-2 in Ashulia, said 264 factories in the Savar-Ashulia area had been closed.

The eight factories targeted were Pickard Bangladesh, Artistic Design, Janran Sweater, Ferrari Garments, Denitex, Anlima Textile, Al Islam Textile and GQ...