Dhaka, Jan. 10 -- Constrained by stated severe liquidity crunch in the country's industrial sector, eleven conglomerates seek some Tk 165.5 billion in interest-free loans from the government to sustain operations and meet staff-payment obligations, sources say.

The SOS (save our soul) appeal comes from Noman Group, Rangs Group of Companies, TVS Auto Bangladesh LTD, Rashid Group, The Delta Group of Industries, Deluxe Apparels Ltd, SIM Fabrics Ltd, Trust Fabrics & Knitting (Pvt) Ltd, Mozaffar Hossain Spinning Mills Ltd, Nuruzzaman Auto Rice Mills & Agro Industries Ltd and Pharma Solutions.

They have submitted the request to the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), citing inability to pay out regular wages and allowances to workers an...