After extensive talks involving labor representatives, tea estate owners, and government officials, the government has set the daily wage for tea garden workers in Bangladesh at Tk 170. This new wage structure comes as part of a broader effort to address the economic challenges faced by workers in the country’s tea sector—one of the oldest yet lowest-paid labor-intensive industries. The decision follows rising discontent and demands from workers who had previously been earning Tk 120–130 per day, an amount widely criticized as inadequate to meet basic living standards amid inflation and increasing household expenses. While the new wage of Tk 170 marks a notable increment, many worker unions and rights groups argue it still falls short of what is necessary for a dignified livelihood. Tea workers, particularly those employed in the Sylhet and Chattogram regions, have long been calling for improved wages, housing, healthcare, and access to education for their families. The wage revision is expected to slightly ease their financial burden, but industry observers note that most tea laborers still live in poverty due to seasonal income fluctuations and a lack of social security benefits. Estate owners have expressed mixed reactions, citing rising operational costs and uncertain global tea market trends. Some have called for government subsidies or incentives to help absorb the increased labor expenses. Despite concerns, the move is seen as a step toward improving working conditions in the sector, which directly employs over 100,000 workers and supports thousands of families indirectly. Human rights activists and development experts continue to advocate for comprehensive labor reforms in the tea industry. They urge policymakers to focus not only on wage adjustments but also on improving worker welfare through better housing, healthcare services, and financial literacy programs. NGOs operating in tea regions have emphasized the need for female worker protection and the formalization of informal labor practices that leave many vulnerable to exploitation. The new wage structure is expected to be implemented immediately across all government and privately managed tea estates, with periodic reviews suggested to keep up with cost-of-living adjustments. As Bangladesh works to balance labor welfare and economic sustainability in the tea sector, the hope remains that this wage hike will pave the way for deeper reforms and an improved standard of living for the employees who are essential to the industry.
