Published: 12:17 AM, 26 August 2026
Grievances and Deprivations of Tea Garden Workers
Rifat Rafique Badhan
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but behind every cup lies the hard work of thousands of tea garden workers. In Bangladesh, particularly in the tea-producing regions of Sylhet and Chattogram, generations of workers have spent their lives cultivating, plucking and processing tea leaves. Yet, despite their vital contribution to the economy, many tea garden workers continue to struggle for fair wages, decent housing, healthcare, education and basic human dignity.
Tea workers generally perform physically demanding work for long hours under difficult weather conditions. Women make up a large portion of the workforce and are particularly involved in leaf plucking. Their daily earnings, however, often remain inadequate to meet the rising cost of food, education, healthcare and other necessities.
One of the biggest concerns is the gap between workers' wages and the actual cost of living. When prices of essential commodities rise, low-paid workers find it increasingly difficult to maintain even a basic standard of living. Many families are therefore forced to cut spending on nutritious food, children's education and medical treatment.
Housing and sanitation are also major concerns in many tea estates. Workers and their families often live in old or poorly maintained houses with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and other essential facilities. Such conditions can expose communities to disease and create additional hardships for children and elderly family members.
Healthcare remains another serious issue. Tea gardens are often located in remote areas, making access to well-equipped hospitals and qualified doctors difficult. Workers may have to travel considerable distances for treatment, while the cost of medicine can place an additional burden on families already living on limited incomes.
Education is equally important. Although many tea-growing communities have schools, poverty and inadequate educational facilities can prevent children from receiving quality education. Some families also struggle to keep children in school when household income is insufficient.
Trade unions and workers' organizations have repeatedly demanded better wages and improved working conditions. Although authorities and tea garden owners have taken various initiatives, workers' rights remain unheeded for the most part, according to labour advocates and worker representatives.
The plight of tea workers should not be treated merely as a labour issue. It is a question of social justice. The industry cannot be considered truly successful if the people who produce its essential raw material remain trapped in poverty.
The government, tea garden owners and workers' representatives must work together to ensure fair wages, safe workplaces, proper housing, healthcare, education and social security. Stronger monitoring and effective enforcement of labour laws are also necessary.
Tea brings comfort and refreshment to millions. It is time that the people who make that possible receive the dignity, rights and livelihood they deserve.
Tea garden workers are an important part of Bangladesh’s tea industry. Most of them live and work in the tea-growing areas of Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Chattogram. They spend long hours in the gardens, carefully picking fresh tea leaves by hand. Their work is difficult because they often have to work under the hot sun and in heavy rain.
Many tea garden workers live in small communities near the gardens. Their families have worked in tea gardens for generations. Although they play a vital role in producing tea, many workers face challenges such as low wages, limited educational opportunities, poor housing, and inadequate healthcare facilities. Women make up a large part of the workforce and contribute greatly to tea production.
The government and different organizations have taken steps to improve the living and working conditions of tea workers. Better education, healthcare, housing, fair wages, and safe working environments can greatly improve their lives. Tea garden workers deserve respect for their hard work and contribution to the country’s economy. We should recognize their importance and work together to ensure that they and their families can live with dignity, security, and hope for a better future.
Rifat Rafique Badhan is a freelancer
and a columnist.
