Transports were off the roads and all shops, offices and educational institutions remained closed during the hartal, called by the Bangladesh Sugar Mills Labour Federation.

The mill authorities have taken the lay-off decision as the sugar mill has been incurring loss almost every year.

Workers and employees of the mill also grought out a procession and held a rally on the premises of the mill protesting the lay-off decision.

Presided over by Abdul Jalil Panna, president of the federation, the rally also demanded privatisation of mills and random sugar import.

Speakers at the rally said a greater movement will be launched if the decision is not withdrawn.