31 tea estates at ‘high risk’ over labour unrest: Muktadir

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said some 31 tea estates across the country are at “high-risk” due to labour unrest stemming from unpaid wages and other grievances.

He disclosed the information today (23 June) while responding to a question from BNP reserved seat lawmaker Selina Sultana during the question-and-answer session in parliament.

The minister said a special report prepared by the National Security Intelligence (NSI) on labour unrest in tea estates, centred on wage arrears, has identified the 31 gardens as vulnerable.

He noted that Bangladesh currently has no policy framework for classifying tea gardens as “sick” or financially distressed, and therefore no tea estate has officially been designated as a “sick garden”.

Muktadir said the labour unrest triggered by non-payment of wages began after the change in power on 5 August 2024, when owners of several tea estates reportedly abandoned their properties, leading to management disruptions.

According to an NSI report dated 18 May 2025, the risky tea gardens include Tarapur, Premnagar, Bijoya, Patrakhola, Madhabpur, Madanmohanpur, Kurma, Champarai, Burjan, Chharagang, Kagagul, Gulni, Lovachhara, Lakkatura, Daldali, Keowachhara, Imam, Bawani, Noapara, Deundi, Lalchan, Chandichhara, Parkul, Satchhari, Phultala, Mathiura, Rajnagar, Azgarabad, Muraichhara, Mirtinga and Deorachhara tea gardens.

The minister said separate committees were formed, with support from the Bangladesh Tea Board and the respective district administration, to restart the previously closed Burjan and Phultala tea estates and ensure payment of wages and other worker benefits.

Financial assistance was also provided from the Tea Board’s Labour Welfare Fund to clear outstanding wages, Muktadir added. 

He further said special arrangements were made to export unsold tea stocks held by 12 gardens under the National Tea Company (NTC), enabling the payment of outstanding wages to workers.

He also said the government has begun distributing Family Cards to tea worker households. “Once all tea labour families come under coverage, it is expected to play a significant role in improving the living standards of tea workers.”