Development activities in Khagrachari have come to a standstill due to an acute shortage of bricks following the closure of brick kilns.
Thousand development workers left unemployed due to the ongoing crisis.
Contractors, labour organisations and allied groups have issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding government approval to reopen brick kilns within the timeframe.
The ultimatum was announced in a joint statement signed by leaders of six organisations on Wednesday afternoon.
The signatories included Brick Kiln Owners Association general secretary, Labour Union President Kusum Uddin and Tractor Drivers Welfare Association President Harun Ur Rashid.
They said the administration shut down brick kilns in Khagrachari due to the lack of clearance from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment.
In the statement, the leaders said brick kiln owners have been operating for years by complying with government rules and regularly paying taxes and income tax, despite not receiving formal approval.
They said kiln owners repeatedly applied for permission but did not receive any clearance.
They also pointed out that brick kilns are operating in other districts, including the hill districts of Rangamati and Bandarban, while Khagrachari alone remains without permission.
The statement said contractor firms are unable to continue work by bringing bricks from other districts due to high costs and logistical difficulties.
As a result, thousands of workers, including day labourers, tractor drivers and people from various professions, have become unemployed and are struggling to support their families.
Demanding relief from the crisis, the six organisations issued a 72-hour ultimatum, warning that they will go on an indefinite hunger strike if permission to reopen brick kilns is not granted within the stipulated time.
