In a statement, the BGMEA said a gang of 30 to 40 armed musclemen demanding Tk 10 lakh in extortion obstructed unloading of imported goods at the premises of Pacific Blue Ltd and AKM Knitwear Ltd.

As the factory officials refused to pay the money, the extortionists entered the factory buildings and swooped on the workers. They ransacked the factories and looted goods worth about Tk 1 lakh, BGMEA alleged.

Presently, consignments of imported goods worth around Tk 2 crore loaded in 12 trucks remain stranded at different places and the company management can not unload the goods, the statement said.

Moreover, the two companies could not send the finished products to the inland container depot for shipment as per export schedule. BGMEA leaders apprehend the US buyer might cancel the export order due to the failure in making shipment.

BGMEA said the hoodlums also lodged 'false cases' against the managing directors of the two companies after the incident.

At an emergency meeting on Wednesday the BGMEA leaders urged the police and administration to take immediate action against the culprits. The meeting chaired by acting president of BGMEA, SM Nurul Haque, also demanded withdrawal of the cases.