Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin announced Wednesday that the interim government is implementing measures to boost tea exports while ensuring domestic demand is met first.
According to BSS, the adviser was speaking at the 5th National Tea Day celebration at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, emphasising the need to promote Bangladesh’s tea industry more aggressively in both local and international markets.
Addressing the price disparity in the tea market, Uddin highlighted that if the country’s annual production of 9.3 crore kilograms of tea has a market value of Tk3,700-4,000 crore, its street value reaches Tk8,000-10,000 crore at the consumer level.
“A balanced distribution system could help break the industry’s vicious cycle and unlock its full potential,” he said, calling for integrated efforts from all stakeholders.
“The land allocated for the industry needs to be utilised optimally. We must focus on alternative uses of this land – whether for renewable energy or tourism development,” he said while noting “the primary objective must be ensuring the prosperity of tea gardens through tea production itself.”
The adviser stressed the government’s commitment to restoring discipline in the tea sector by addressing customs mismanagement and stabilising market prices. He urged tea garden owners and workers to collaborate in ensuring the prosperity of tea estates, while also emphasising product diversification to enhance competitiveness.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman chaired the event, which was attended by Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Major General Sheikh Mohammad Sarwar Hossain, industry leaders, and tea workers. Bangladesh Tea Workers Union Acting President Nripen Pal also addressed the event.
The commerce adviser presented the National Tea Award 2025 in eight categories, recognising excellence within the industry. The ceremony began with a balloon release to mark the occasion, followed by the adviser’s visit to stalls at the accompanying tea fair.