Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the formation of a high-level committee to address the long-standing challenges of tea sector, pledging a robust package of policy, financial, and institutional support to revitalise production and ensure international competitiveness.
The prime minister gave these assurances during a meeting held on Sunday at the Cabinet Division of Secretariat to discuss the development of the country’s tea industry.
During the session, tea garden owners and industry representatives briefed Tarique on the sector’s current state, highlighting critical hurdles such as soaring production costs, financing shortages, fuel expenses, and the difficulties of maintaining a foothold in the global market.
They also submitted a series of proposals aimed at achieving sustainable development for the industry.
Describing the tea industry as a vital pillar of the national economy, Tarique listened to the stakeholders’ concerns and committed to providing necessary policy, financial, and institutional assistance. Specifically, he assured owners of measures to ease existing debt burdens and the provision of low-interest loans.
In a move toward modernising the sector, the prime minister expressed a positive outlook on allowing solar power generation on lands unsuitable for tea cultivation. He further pledged economic support for the implementation of such renewable energy projects.
To ensure the effective identification and resolution of these issues, Tarique directed the formation of a committee comprising representatives from relevant ministries, departments, and tea industry stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku; Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu; and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.
Also present were State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin; Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar; various ministry secretaries; and representatives from tea garden owners and organisations.
