Dhaka: Readymade garment (RMG) factories of Ashulia industrial area reopened on Monday after remaining closed for over two weeks following a labour unrest.

The workers joined their work peacefully in the morning, according to factory sources.

The apparel hub witnessed labour unrest for several days forcing closure of some 59 apparel factories there. There are reports of sacking and filing of lawsuits against many workers.

M Siddiqur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), announced the decision at a press conference at the association's office on Sunday.

BGMEA vice-president (Finance) Mohammad Nasir and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) President Abdus Salam Murshedy were, among others, present at the press conference.

The workers of the factories started work abstention on December 12 demanding Tk 15,000 as minimum wage and staged demonstrations in the area forcing authorities to shut down many garment manufacturing units.