Dhaka : Over 1.3 million handloom and powerloom units across Bangladesh have launched an indefinite strike demanding import of yarn from India through the Benapole land port to meet the current shortage and to arrest rising prices.

The import via Benapole land port located on the western border with India was stopped after local yarn manufacturers opposed it, arguing that it would bring down domestic prices and eventually ruin Bangladesh's spinning industry.

The strike began Wednesday.

Most units closed down even before the strike call for want of yarn supplies, the New Age newspaper said, quoting owners of several units and trade body chiefs.

The units in main textile hubs at Narsingdhi, Narayanganj and Sirajganj enforced the strike, called by the Bangladesh Handloom and Powerloom Owners' Association Saturday last.

The textile sector is a major employer in Bangladesh; the highest export earnings come from the readymade garments and knitwear.