Sreemangal: Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain announced that the government will establish a high-level inter-ministerial committee to address longstanding grievances and improve the well-being of tea workers in Bangladesh. "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 stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr M Sakhawat made these remarks during a view-exchange meeting attended by owners, CEOs, and managers of various tea estates at the Balishira Valley Club in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar. He noted that the government is focused on improving the living standards of tea workers and ensuring their basic needs are met, with plans for constructing a hospital for tea workers in Sreemangal under consideration.
Dr M Sakhawat also highlighted the historical significance of the tea industry, emphasizing that it is a traditional export sector of Bangladesh and was once the sole export item of East Pakistan. He stressed the importance of preventing the deterioration of this vital industry.
The meeting was chaired by Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman and addressed by Kamran Tanvirur Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director of Kapna Tea Company Ltd. During the session, estate managers discussed issues facing the tea industry, including falling auction prices that have dropped below production costs and have delayed wage payments to workers. Labour Secretary Shafiquzzaman mentioned that discussions are ongoing to improve wages and the ration distribution system for workers.
The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board, the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police of Moulvibazar, and officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Department of Labour, and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.