Govt to form inter-ministerial committee to address tea workers' grievances 

The government will form a high-level inter-ministerial committee to resolve longstanding grievances and improve the overall well-being of tea workers in Bangladesh, Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain said yesterday (16 May).

"The committee will include representatives from the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Finance, Commerce, Industries, Agriculture, and Land. In addition, tripartite discussions involving workers, owners, and government representatives will be held to address challenges in the tea sector," he said.

The adviser was addressing a view-exchange meeting, attended by owners, CEOs, and managers of various tea estates, at the Balishira Valley Club in Sreemangal of Moulvibazar, said a press release today (17 May).

Sakhawat said, "The government is working to improve the living standards of tea workers and ensure their basic needs are met. The construction of a hospital for tea workers in Sreemangal is under consideration."

Emphasizing the historical significance of the tea industry, he added, "Tea is a traditional export sector of Bangladesh and was once the only export item of East Pakistan. This industry must not be allowed to deteriorate."

Chaired by Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, the meeting was addressed by Kamran Tanvirur Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director of Kapna Tea Company Ltd.

During the session, estate managers highlighted various problems faced by the tea industry.

Labour Secretary Shafiquzzaman said, "Auction prices of tea have fallen below production costs, resulting in delays in wage payments to workers. Discussions are ongoing to improve their wages and ration distribution system."

The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of Moulvibazar, along with officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Department of Labour, and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.

'Workers' wages will rise proportionally with increase in tea prices'

Sakhawat said workers' wages will rise proportionally with the increase in tea prices.

"I will try to talk to the Tea Board to advocate for a price increase in the tea auction. As tea prices rise, the wages of tea workers will be adjusted proportionally," he added.

Earlier, the adviser planted a tree sapling in the premises of the labour office.