DHAKA, May 23: A labour unrest in the readymade garments sector that began at Bangladesh’s export processing zone on Monday, spilled into the capital on Tuesday. The paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles were called out as workers went on the rampage for the second straight day, burning down four factories.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association threatened to shut down factories indefinitely if the government failed to control the situation.

The garment manufacturers accused the government of taking no action against the rioters, warning that the apparel industry would be shut down indefinitely if the government failed to ensure security.

They urged the government to deploy army soldiers to protect the industry from ‘miscreants dictated by a vested quarter waging a war against the economy.

Some leaders claimed that there were hardly any workers involved in the agitation, putting down the trouble to ‘conspirators from home and abroad.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said it would hold a meeting of factory owners on Wednesday to decide whether they should shut down factories for an indefinite period.

Conspirators have started a war against the garment industry and economy, Abdul Awal Mintoo, a former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said.