Dhaka, Nov. 14 -- Owners have indefinitely closed 40 readymade garment factories in Savar's Ashulia industrial area amid continuing labour unrest and work stoppages over demands including higher minimum wages.

Factory authorities posted closure notices at the gates on Saturday morning, while another seven garment factories declared a one-day holiday.

Many workers who arrived for their shifts returned home after finding closure notices at the main gates, although some were seen attempting to gather at several locations.

Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, said the 40 factories had been closed under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.

"Another seven garment factories have declared...