Bangladesh police say they are investigating a suspected arson attack on one of the country's largest garment factories which produces clothes for Western brands.
Fires broke out at two buildings in the industrial district of Gazipur outside the capital Dhaka around 11pm on Thursday local time, following clashes between workers and officers.
The blaze in one plant was brought under control quickly, but the other burnt throughout the night, with 15 fully laden trucks also going up in flames, AFP reports.
Workers allegedly went on the rampage at the complex following rumours that two workers had been killed during demonstrations to demand higher wages and better conditions.
Bangladesh's garment sector, the world's second biggest after China, has been plagued by unrest by workers who often toil on long shifts six days a week for the lowest wages in the world.
They became more vocal in their demand for better conditions after the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory complex in April. It killed 1135 people, in one of the world's worst industrial accidents.
The Bangladesh government has raised the minimum wage by 76% to $US68 a month, effective from December 2013, but many workers are pushing for $US100 a month.
Standard Group is one of the largest garment manufacturers in Bangladesh whose website lists Sears, Gap, Zara and Tommy Hilfiger as clients.
Company officials could not be contacted for comment.
