A pregnant tea worker has died in Kamalganj, Moulvibazar, amid allegations of lack of access to medical care, prompting protests and a work stoppage by tea garden workers. The incident took place at the Deorachhara Tea Garden in Rahimpur Union, where workers began demonstrations on Thursday.
The deceased, Riya Begum (22), was employed at the tea garden and was the wife of Sabbir Mia, a permanent worker at the same estate. According to workers and family members, Riya fell ill during her pregnancy, and her family sought medical assistance from the garden authorities. They allege that no support was provided despite repeated requests.
Riya Begum died late Wednesday night. Following her death, tea workers at the garden initiated a work stoppage on Thursday morning, demanding accountability and the resignation of the estate manager. Workers stated that the lack of medical care and financial support contributed to her death.
Local representatives and officials, including police and union leaders, visited the site following the protest. Discussions were initiated with workers regarding their demands and the conditions under which work might resume. However, no resolution had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Efforts to obtain a statement from the tea estate authorities were unsuccessful, as calls to the acting officer-in-charge of the estate went unanswered.
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