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Sreemangal, November 13: Authorities have announced the indefinite closure of the Khejurichhara Tea Estate and its tea factory under the Deanston Division of Finlay Tea Company in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar, following labour unrest and work stoppages.
The closure came into effect on Friday, November 13, under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, following a notice issued by the company’s Chief Executive Officer (Estates) on Thursday.
The dispute reportedly began when local tea workers started constructing a temple inside the Deanston Tea Estate for religious activities. The estate management reportedly intervened, asking them to stop the construction and relocate the structure.
Workers subsequently demanded the withdrawal of Deputy General Manager (DGM) Humayun Kabir, accusing him of obstructing their religious activities.
In protest, workers stopped plucking tea leaves and suspended other activities from October 26 and 27. Hundreds of male and female workers also staged demonstrations at the estate office and other key locations.
However, Humayun Kabir denied the allegations, saying the management had not opposed religious activities but had raised concerns about a month-long kirtan programme arranged in front of the factory’s main gate, which blocked the access road.
He said the management had proposed holding the programme without obstructing the road and had discussed the matter with local representatives and religious organisers.
According to the company’s closure notice, workers staged an unauthorised strike from October 27 to 29.
The notice also alleged that on November 12, some workers did not join their duties and forced employees at the Deanston tea factory, Polypack factory and central workshop store to leave their workplaces.
Citing an unstable working environment and disruption of operations, the company said it had become impossible to continue normal activities at the estate.
The notice stated that workers who participated in the strike would not receive wages during the closure period.
However, certain permanent workers engaged in essential services, including security personnel, bungalow and staff-quarter employees, and medical department workers, will remain outside the scope of the closure.
The decision has raised concerns about the livelihoods of thousands of tea workers and their families who depend on the estate for their income.
Former general secretary of the Bangladesh Tea Workers’ Union, Pankaj Kundu, expressed concern over the closure, saying there was an opportunity to resolve the dispute through discussions. He said efforts would be made to address the situation.
The closure notice was also sent to the chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board, the deputy commissioner, the superintendent of police and other relevant authorities.
