Bangladesh is the world’s tenth-largest tea grower. Tea has been produced in the country for more than 180 years. Our tea industry dates back to British rule when the East India Company initiated the tea trade in the hills of the Sylhet region. The industry has recently made significant advancements thanks to the prosperous domestic market. However, weak labour rights, low wages and poor non-wage benefits have traditionally been the industry’s defining characteristics. This note is inspired by the recent discourse around the plight of tea workers in Bangladesh to raise their daily wages. Despite a marginal increase in their wages as a result of the protest, it is inadequate in the face of current inflation, and their life and livelihoods continue to be under significant strain.

Publication Period: December 2022

Download