The interim government is actively working to meet the legitimate demands of tea workers and ensure the overall development of the tea industry, said Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser in charge of the labour and shipping ministries.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion on the welfare and development of the tea industry held at the Labour and Employment Ministry with leaders of the Bangladesh Tea Association.
Sakhawat said the government is taking positive steps to address issues such as tea workers’ union elections, wage increases, reinstating ration facilities, improving housing, providing education expenses for workers’ children, enhancing healthcare services, and establishing specialised hospitals.
“To expedite the fulfillment of tea workers’ demands, an inter-ministerial meeting will soon be convened with representatives from the Finance, Commerce, Industry, and Land ministries, as well as Bangladesh Bank, Krishi Bank, and other relevant banks,” he added.
“In addition, tripartite discussions involving worker and owner representatives will be held to resolve sectoral challenges.”
He further stated that effective measures will be taken to ensure payment of bonuses to tea workers before the upcoming Durga Puja.
The adviser also directed the divisional commissioners of Chattogram and Sylhet to improve sanitation and safe drinking water facilities for female workers.
On the issue of trade union elections for tea workers, raised by the Tea Board chairman, the adviser said a committee under the supervision of the divisional labour department would be formed to complete the elections by December this year.
Among those present at the meeting were Labour and Employment Secretary Dr Md Sanowar Jahan Bhuiyan, Divisional Commissioners of Chattogram and Sylhet, the Tea Board chairman, and senior officials from the ministries of labour, agriculture, and commerce.
