Published: 11:33 PM, 17 August 2026
The Golden Era of Tea Industry Should Be Revived
Tea is more than a popular beverage in Bangladesh. It is part of the country's history, economy, landscape and social life. From the green hills of Sylhet and Moulvibazar to the emerging tea gardens of northern Bangladesh, the industry has created employment and shaped communities for generations. Yet the glory that once made Bangladeshi tea an important export commodity has gradually faded. It is time to revive that golden era.
Bangladesh's tea industry has a history of more than 180 years. In the past, tea was one of the country's major export earners, standing alongside jute as a prominent source of foreign currency. But the picture has changed dramatically. Production has increased over the decades, while exports have fallen sharply as domestic consumption has expanded. Official data show that Bangladesh produced about 94.9 million kilograms of tea in 2025, but exported only 1.64 million kilograms. By comparison, production reached a record 102.9 million kilograms in 2023.
The figures reveal both the strength and weakness of the sector. Bangladesh has the capacity to produce large quantities of tea, but it has struggled to remain competitive in international markets. Rising production costs, ageing tea bushes, inadequate irrigation, climate-related problems, limited modern technology and insufficient investment are placing pressure on tea estates.
The climate challenge is becoming particularly serious. Tea requires adequate and timely rainfall, yet irregular rainfall, heatwaves and droughts are increasingly affecting production. In major tea-growing areas such as Moulvibazar, unusual weather has reduced leaf growth and shortened the plucking season. Without better irrigation and climate-resilient cultivation methods, even well-established tea gardens could face growing difficulties.
Another major problem is the financial condition of tea estates. The costs of fuel, electricity, fertiliser, labour and other inputs have increased, while many producers struggle to obtain prices that adequately cover production expenses. A profitable industry is essential not only for owners but also for the thousands of workers and their families who depend directly on tea gardens.
