The mounting crisis among the tea workers, spanning across the Sylhet, Moulvibazar and Habiganj regions, demands immediate intervention. For over a week, we all notice that more than 12,000 tea estate workers have been on strike, halting operation at 18 gardens in their worried bid to secure six weeks of unpaid wages totaling Tk nine crore. This situation reflects a severe administrative failure and underscores the dire need for workers’ protection in one of Bangladesh’s crucial industries.
The tea workers face severe economic realities even in regular circumstances with a daily wage of only Tk 178. Families are at the edge of survival without their earnings, relying on minimal social support and are now even not able to purchase basic necessities on credit. The workers, who have constantly supported the tea industry of the country, should not have to resort to street protests and blockade, as seen on Sunday near Sylhet’s Osmani Airport Road, to demand payment for work already done. Yet, the gravity of their plight forced them to issue an ultimatum, emphasising the urgency and importance of their grievances.
The root of this crisis lies in an administrative deadlock following the resignation of all state-run National Tea Company (NTC) directors after the fall of Awami League government. In the absence of stable control, NTC management has faltered, leaving wage payments suspended and workers neglected. The recent distribution of twenty kg of rice to each family by the Sylhet district administration, while helpful, is not sufficient to meet the needs of the workers. Short-term relief cannot substitute the dire need for secure, likely income.
The tea estate workers deserve more than
short-term relief— they deserve dignity,
justice and respect for their contribution
to the industry
This situation suggests decisive action from the high level authorities concerned. Immediate measures must be taken to pay the due wages to NTC workers, addressing their basic rights and ensuring they may support their families. Fulfilling the wage commitment is not only an administrative responsibility; it is very essential for a country that boasts itself on economic and social progress. We all know that the tea sector plays a significant role in the country’s economy and any disruption affects not only workers but also the industry’s stability and its contribution to national revenue.
In the long term, steps must be implemented to prevent such crises from recurring. A good policy for timely wage payment, enhanced responsibility within NTC’s management structure and a solid commitment to workers’ welfare are crucial. A clear framework for managerial answerability, prompt authorities concerned oversight and worker support mechanism must be put in place to address the sector’s systemic vulnerabilities.
The tea estate workers deserve more than short-term relief— they deserve dignity, justice and respect for their contribution to the industry. Their demands for overdue wages are reasonable and must be met with no
further delay.
It is time for the government and NTC authorities concerned to act with urgency, restoring the tea industry’s stability and honouring the workers’ rights, who form its backbone. The response to this crisis will set a crucial precedent, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fairness, compassion and respect for all its citizens.