In Moulvibazar’s Kamalganj upazila, tea workers at the Deorachhara Tea Garden staged a protest after wages remained unpaid for three consecutive weeks. On Thursday morning, workers gathered at the garden’s administrative office in Rahimpur Union, locked the main gate, and halted all operations. The protest was withdrawn later in the day after wage disbursement began.
Several hundred workers had reportedly been living without pay for weeks, facing severe economic hardship. Despite repeated demands, no effective steps were taken by garden authorities. On April 12, the Garden Panchayat Committee submitted a written complaint to the Department of Labour, but the situation remained unresolved, leading workers to organize the protest.
Tensions in the garden had escalated earlier in April following the death of a casual female worker during medical treatment. After the incident, workers demanded the removal of the acting manager. The manager subsequently resigned and went on leave citing security concerns, resulting in administrative disruption and suspension of wage payments.
Worker representatives stated that the protest was a response to prolonged non-payment and worsening conditions. Local officials confirmed that the situation had intensified before intervention from authorities led to the resumption of payments on Thursday afternoon.
Officials from the Bangladesh Tea Board stated that the acting manager has submitted a resignation letter and that steps are being taken to appoint a replacement. They confirmed that wage distribution has now begun, and further administrative measures are underway.
Source: Samakal
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