Chattogram-based S Alam Group has announced the closure of 11 factories in different parts of Chattogram, with notices posted in phases from Thursday afternoon through Friday night. The factories were set to close from August 1. Notices said nearly 6,000 workers and employees would receive their outstanding dues in stages. Most of the affected units are located in the Anwara and Karnaphuli industrial areas.

Workers said the factories formally closed after they returned home following work on Thursday, while the company began paying dues to affected employees. Staff who remain on the payroll were told that all arrears and legally mandated payments would be cleared by August 6. Hasmat Ali, an employee of S Alam Refined Sugar Industries, said raw-material shortages and financial difficulties had disrupted production and made wages and allowances irregular for two years.

Another employee, Abdur Rahman, said the factories faced difficulties after restrictions were imposed last August on the company’s movable and immovable assets and bank accounts. The closed units include S Alam Refined Sugar Industries, S Alam Cement, S Alam Oil, S Alam Vegetable Oil, a bag factory and a feed mill. Attempts to obtain immediate comments from S Alam Group officials were unsuccessful.