Government to Set Up Inter-Ministerial Panel to Tackle Tea Workers' Grievances

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain announced on Friday that the government will form a high-level inter-ministerial committee to address longstanding grievances and enhance the welfare of tea workers in Bangladesh.

The proposed committee will comprise representatives from the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Finance, Commerce, Industries, Agriculture, and Land. Additionally, tripartite dialogues involving tea workers, estate owners, and government officials will be initiated to resolve sector-wide challenges, he said.

Dr Sakhawat made these remarks during a view-exchange meeting with owners, CEOs, and managers of various tea estates at the Balishira Valley Club in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, according to a press release issued Saturday.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of tea workers, he said plans are under consideration for constructing a dedicated hospital for them in Sreemangal.

Stressing the historical importance of the tea industry, Dr Sakhawat noted, “Tea is a traditional export sector of Bangladesh and was once East Pakistan’s sole export commodity. This industry must be preserved and strengthened.”

The meeting, chaired by Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, also featured remarks by Kamran Tanvirur Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director of Kapna Tea Company Ltd. Estate managers present at the session outlined several pressing issues plaguing the sector.

Labour Secretary Shafiquzzaman pointed out that declining auction prices have dropped below production costs, leading to delays in paying workers. He said efforts are underway to revise wages and improve the ration distribution system.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board, the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Moulvibazar, and senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Department of Labour, and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.