Pacific Jeans Group, one of Bangladesh’s leading apparel exporters, has announced the indefinite closure of seven of its factories in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) following days of labour unrest and violence.

The decision was confirmed in separate notices signed by Syed Mohammad Tanvir, managing director of Pacific Jeans Group.

According to the notice, “From Tuesday (14 Oct) to Thursday (16 Oct), a group of workers refrained from joining work and engaged in fighting, vandalism, and looting inside the factories, destroying the environment necessary for normal operations.”

The management further said, “Some workers illegally stopped production and began unruly behavior. During the clashes and vandalism, several officials, staff members, and workers were injured, and the company suffered significant losses. Such activities amount to an illegal strike. In this situation, under the provisions of labour law, the factories are being declared closed for an indefinite period.”

Pacific Jeans Group operates seven factories within the CEPZ area — Pacific Jeans, Jeans 2000, Universal Jeans, NHT Fashion, Pacific Accessories, Pacific Workwear, and Pacific Attires — all of which will remain shut until further notice.