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Labour voices in the tea plantations: An analysis of trade union practices in

Bangladesh's tea industry

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DOI: 10.5897/IJSA2025.1010

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 Vol.17(1), pp. 1-8, April-June 2025
DOI: 10.5897/IJSA2025.1010
Article Number: DFC821C73184
ISSN 2006-988x
Copyright © 2024 International Journal of Sociology and
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Full Length Research Paper

Labour voices in the tea plantations: An analysis of

trade union practices in Bangladesh’s tea industry
Mohammad Fakhrus Salam
Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh.
Received 1 March, 2025; Accepted 14 April, 2025

The tea industry in Bangladesh has long been marked by harsh labor conditions, with workers
struggling under low wages, poor housing, and limited access to social security. Trade unions have
intervened to advocate for workers' rights, but their impact is often debated. This study examines the
role of these unions in representing tea plantation workers, focusing on their organization, strategies,
and challenges. Through fieldwork, interviews with union leaders and workers, and analysis of labor
policies, the research investigates how unions collaborate with plantation owners and the government
to push for improved conditions. It also highlights the obstacles unions face, including internal
conflicts, lack of unity, and external pressures that undermine their negotiating power. The study
considers the broader context, exploring how laws, politics, and employer resistance influence union
efforts. Although unions have made some progress, the research reveals that deep-rooted issues limit
their ability to effect meaningful change. It advocates for stronger labor laws, increased worker
involvement in unions, and greater unity among labor groups. By amplifying the voices of tea workers,
this research contributes to the ongoing discussion about labor rights and social justice in
Bangladesh's tea industry, emphasizing the need for substantial reform.

Key words: Tea workers, trade unions, labour rights, collective bargaining, Bangladesh tea industry, labour
justice.

INTRODUCTION

The tea industry is one of Bangladesh's oldest export- a fundamental worker's right. This obligation ensures fair
oriented industries, dating back over 170 years, and is a representation, collective bargaining, and protection
significant contributor to the country's economy. A trade against exploitation. Ethically, it is also seen as a
union is an organized collective of employees who unite necessary measure to promote social justice and uphold
to protect and improve their working conditions. the dignity of labor. Therefore, forming trade unions is
Establishing a trade union to safeguard workers' rights is essential both as a legal right and a moral imperative.
considered an obligatory requirement in several respects. The studied tea gardens have a trade union; however,
Legally, many national labor laws and international there are claims that the union lacks functionality and
conventions, such as those of the International Labour fails to fulfill any role in promoting the well-being of
Organization (ILO), recognize the right to form unions as workers. Several respondents observed that the trade

E-mail: [email protected].

Author(s) agree that this article remain permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License 4.0 International License
2 Int. J. Sociol. Anthropol.

union, although existing in name, lacked visible actions. A trade union, alternatively referred to as a labor union,
The majority of respondents did not possess membership, operates as an organized body of workers who are united
and it was found that few workers declared their affiliation in their pursuit of shared goals pertaining to working
with the trade union. conditions and collective interests. By means of collective
One participant noted a lack of visibility regarding trade action, the leadership of the union engages in
union activity within the organization. The garden discussions with employers or management in order to
authority maintains a connection with union leaders and develop labor contracts and address a range of concerns.
pursues its interests by utilizing the union. Some leaders The aforementioned practice, commonly referred to as
within the organization are known to accept bribes from collective bargaining, involves negotiations pertaining to
higher authorities to quell the labor movement within the remuneration, labor regulations, mechanisms for
garden. addressing complaints, and the maintenance of a safe
While the majority of participants expressed working environment. Throughout the annals of history,
dissatisfaction with the trade union's actions, a minority the presence of union representation and the practice of
shared accounts of the union's achievements. collective bargaining have been of utmost significance in
Nonetheless, there is a desire for greater visibility of fostering a sense of stability within the labour force of
union operations to safeguard the well-being of tea advanced economies. Their contributions have led to a
garden employees. more equitable distribution of wealth, which has
subsequently resulted in enhanced working conditions
and heightened job security for employees.
Trade unions and trade unionism: Conceptual The relevance of workers' rights, encompassing the
considerations ability to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and
influence employment conditions, has grown alongside
The concept of trade unions and trade unionism is a the political, social, and educational advancements of
fundamental aspect of labor relations and industrial civilizations. In response, the formation of workers' unions
relations. Trade unions are organizations formed by has occurred to safeguard and promote the welfare of
workers in order to collectively represent their interests employees. Unionization has been shown to have a
and negotiate with employers on matters such as wages, pivotal role in improving the overall quality of life for
working conditions, and employment terms. Trade unions workers through its support for minimum wage policies,
possess a lengthy and substantial historical background, controls on working hours, measures for health and
originating from the initial stages of the Industrial safety, and broader enhancements in working conditions
Revolution. The formation of the initial trade unions took (Rao, 2014). According to Nissen and Jarley (2005),
place in England during the early 19th century, thereafter trade unions might potentially strengthen the normative
proliferating to various regions across the globe. Trade and instrumental value of trade unionism by matching
unions have played a crucial role in lobbying for the rights their activities and roles with the control and extension of
of workers, encompassing equitable remuneration, naturally existing social networks that connect members
secure working environments, and the ability to partake in within workplaces.
collective bargaining. During the 20th century, prominent The trade union movement is experiencing a global
national actors arose. The major function of collective decline, despite the implementation of strategic initiatives.
bargainers mostly centered on the national level, In order to effectively combat issues such as wage
encompassing certain industries or many sectors. stagnation, low salaries, income inequality, and
Moreover, in their capacity as "social partners," their insufficient economic demand, unions must establish
primary aim was to exercise considerable influence over themselves as entities capable of questioning the
the macroeconomic and social policies implemented by prevailing neoliberal narrative (Kelly, 2015: 526). A trade
national governments (Hyman, 2007). Trade unions have union is an organized association of workers formed to
the primary objective of enhancing the overall well-being collectively strengthen their negotiating leverage in
and working environment of employees, establishing interactions with employers. According to Shrestha
equitable employment circumstances, and safeguarding (2012), Dale Yoder's conceptualization of a trade union
the stability of employment (Gupta, 2013). emphasizes its enduring nature as an established and
It can be accurately stated that during the 19th and sustained organization of workers, with the clear
20th centuries, trade unions aimed to enhance the overall objective of advancing and protecting the welfare of its
social, economic, and political conditions of the working members within their employment arrangements.
class by establishing class-based political parties and According to King (2015), a trade union can be accurately
advocating for legal and social reforms. Nevertheless, at described as a persistent organization comprised of
their core, trade unions have consistently focused on workers who come together to safeguard or enhance
representing the interests of their employed members their working circumstances.
primarily within the workplace (Stephenson and Wray, Trade unions provide vital duties and assume pivotal
2009). positions in campaigning for the rights and welfare of
 Salam 3

their members inside the workplace. The aforementioned avenues: engagement with the state and politics, and
functions can be succinctly summarized in the following involvement in the labor market and collective bargaining.
manner: The significance of their economic and political
endeavors varies across countries and global regions, as
(1) Negotiating for improved wages and better working well as over time and among different types of unions
conditions on behalf of their members. (Streeck and Hassel, 2003). However, modern trade
(2) Offering insights and recommendations to union activity has deviated from its traditional objectives
management concerning personnel policies and practices. due to changes in labour laws and a shift in union
(3) Aiding workers in gaining a significant say and consciousness (Burns, 2012).
influence in the industry they are part of.
(4) Safeguarding members from employer discrimination
and unjust treatment. METHODOLOGY
(5) Assisting workers in various issues that align with
their best interests. The research is conducted across five tea gardens in the Sylhet
division, including three in Sylhet Sadar and two in Moulvibazar,
A trade union refers to a collective entity comprising covering a mix of urban and rural locations. The study applies trade
union models and theories to examine the dynamics of trade
workers, which seeks to protect and promote their mutual unionism among tea garden workers, employing a qualitative
interests by engaging in the practice of collective descriptive analysis approach.
bargaining. The definition, as articulated in the paper, is Primary data are collected through interviews, Key Informant
based on the theoretical framework of "class struggle" Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and
between capitalist bosses and their employees. The labor observations, while secondary data are drawn from relevant
studies, books, and publications.
union functions as a mechanism through which workers
The study population comprises male and female laborers,
can exercise their rights and engage in negotiations with garden management, human rights activists, law specialists, and
employers, so exemplifying the continuous endeavour to trade union leaders, with 50 respondents selected via convenience
maintain equilibrium in power dynamics within the labour sampling.
market. Data analysis is performed using narrative analysis techniques,
The trade union movement worldwide has been providing a descriptive interpretation of the findings to address the
research objectives.
significantly influenced by Marx's theory about trade
unions. The concepts he has put forward have been
employed to rationalize a range of approaches and
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
methods, encompassing nonviolent diplomacy as well as
aggressive measures. In contemporary times, trade
Trade union practices in the tea industry of
unions persist in assuming a significant function within
Bangladesh
the realm of labor in numerous nations. Karl Marx was
supportive of trade unionism and saw it as a central
The recognition of freedom of association as a
driving force in the International Working Labour
fundamental human right is a significant aspect of
Association. Karl Marx's trade unionism focused on the
International Law. This right is upheld by the majority of
Marxist theory of wages, trade unions and Labor’s claim
civilized nations, including the People's Republic of
to power, and the party relationship (Moses, 1990).
Bangladesh, as enshrined in its Constitution, which
Karl Marx viewed the relationship between the working
serves as the highest legal authority in the country. The
class and the capitalist class as a deep and irreconcilable
establishment of trade unions serves as a viable
conflict rooted in the unequal distribution of wealth and
mechanism for the practice of the freedom of association,
power. For Marx, trade unions were not merely tools for
with the primary objective of safeguarding the rights of
economic bargaining—they were essential instruments of
workers.
collective resistance against capitalist exploitation. He
argued that through unions, workers could secure
immediate gains like better wages and working Constitutional framework of trade unionism in
conditions, while also laying the groundwork for broader Bangladesh
social transformation. Trade unions, in his view, held the
potential to challenge the very foundations of capitalism The preamble of the Constitution of Bangladesh in 1972
and drive revolutionary change. Rejecting reformist establishes that the primary objective of the State is to
compromises, Marx underscored the inherent achieve a socialist society, devoid of exploitation, through
contradiction between the long-term interests of capital the democratic process. This society is envisioned to
and labor. Over time, trade unionism has evolved beyond uphold the principles of the rule of law, fundamental
its economic roots to become a dynamic force addressing human rights and freedoms, equality, and justice in both
a wide range of social, cultural, and political issues (King, political and socio-economic spheres, ensuring their
2015: 201). attainment for all citizens. The Constitution explicitly
Modern trade unions operate through two distinct guarantees a fundamental right that prohibits all forms of
4 Int. J. Sociol. Anthropol.

Table 1. Key features of Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.

Key provisions Limitations

Provision for appointment letter and identity card Absence of rationing facilities
Right to minimum wage No maternity benefits for the workers who have already two children
Maternity leave for 16 weeks with full payment Overtime work up to 10 pm
Working One-day weekly holiday and one day annual leave for every eighteen days of work No provision for accommodation and transport facilities
conditions and
labour benefits Provisions for punishment of employers in case of violating labour rights are very weak (e.g. 3
8 h for each working day, 48 h a week, in exceptional case 60 h
months imprisonment or with fine of one thousand takas (US$ 15)

Payment date is within seven days after the end of the last day of the wage period No job protection and social security benefits

Right to form association and collective bargaining Minimum membership requirement of 30% of the total permanent workers for approval of unions
Fundamental No discrimination at work in terms of wage and employment conditions Restriction on temporary workers for joining in union
labour rights Minimum age of employment is 18 years Provision of joining in only one the trade union for each worker
Freedom from forced and compulsory labour Only one union in each factory
Source: Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 (Act No. 42 of 2006).

coerced labor, and any violation of this article is interactions between employers and workers, as suggesting that unions may have limited
subject to legal punishment. Additionally, it well as between employers themselves (Figure 1). effectiveness in enhancing productivity and
ensures the fundamental right of freedom of The assertion posits that the further fostering economic growth. Critics argue that
association. The primary legislative framework implementation of trade unionization will yield while unions can protect workers' rights and
governing trade unionism in Bangladesh is the numerous advantages for the labour force. Unions improve wages, they may also introduce rigidities
Bangladesh Labour Act of 2006. The jurisdiction play a crucial role in providing workers with a into the labor market, restrict managerial flexibility,
of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 means to effectively address concerns related to and reduce incentives for innovation. For
encompasses the entirety of the nation of hazardous working conditions, inadequately instance, Hirsch (2004) highlights that unionized
Bangladesh (Table 1). remunerated pay, and exploitation perpetrated by firms often face higher labor costs and operational
Trade unions can be established in Bangladesh unscrupulous employers. The efficacy of the constraints, which can negatively affect
by either employees or employers by registration social compliance mechanism was found to be productivity and profitability. Similarly, the World
under Chapter XIII of the Bangladesh Labour Act, limited due to its reliance on external actors. In Bank (2013) notes that in some contexts, strong
2006. The Act permits the establishment and contrast, the trade union mechanism has been union presence can hinder job creation and
registration of a Federation of Labour Unions. The identified as a more effective approach, as it adaptability, especially in rapidly changing
federation has the authority to establish affiliations operates inside within the organization. This economic environments. Furthermore, Nickell
with any international organization and internal mechanism empowers workers by (1996) finds that excessive union influence in less
confederation of worker's or employer's equipping them with effective means to advocate competitive markets may dampen corporate
organizations. A worker's trade union is for and secure their own advantages. Therefore, performance and economic dynamism.
established to govern the interactions between labor unions have the potential to serve as a Numerous economists hold the belief that
workers and employers, as well as between counterbalancing entity in response to employer influential labor unions played a pivotal role in
workers themselves. Conversely, an employer's exploitation. undermining the profitability and economic
trade union is established to regulate the Nevertheless, there is a counterargument sustainability of said sectors within the United
 Salam 5

Figure 1. Structures of Trade Unions in Bangladesh.

Source: Ahammad (2017).

States. Consequently, this led to a decrease in workers across over 200 estates in Bangladesh initiated
investment, growth, and ultimately resulted in the an indefinite strike, demanding a daily wage increase
relocation of these businesses to alternative nations. from 120 Taka to 300 Taka. The strike followed daily two-
Under the guise of trade unions, union officials are hour work stoppages starting on August 9, 2022, after the
effectively operating a parallel administration, exerting workers' ultimatum for a wage hike was unmet. The
control over staff appointments, promotions, and Bangladesh Tea Workers' Union played a central role in
transfers. South Asia has a rich historical legacy of organizing these protests. Although the union's efforts
interconnections between political parties and labor were significant, plantation owners offered only a 14-taka
unions. The involvement of unions in political activities increase, citing declining profits and rising production
within the workplace can negatively impact investment costs. The strike concluded after 19 days when an
and economic growth by creating uncertainty and agreement was reached to raise the daily wage to 170
operational disruptions. Such activism may lead to strikes Taka.
or protests, reducing productivity and increasing labor During the same period, tea plantation workers in India
costs. This environment can deter both domestic and also mobilized for higher wages and better working
foreign investors who seek stability and predictability. conditions. In Assam, workers demanded an increase in
Additionally, politically active unions may push for rigid their daily wages from 167 rupees to 350 rupees, leading
labor regulations, limiting business flexibility and further to protests and strikes. Similarly, in West Bengal, tea
discouraging investment (Botero et al., 2004). workers called for higher wages and bonuses. These
The Bangladesh Tea Employees' Union is experiencing movements were driven by rising living costs and
a decline in its influence over tea plantation workers due longstanding issues of low pay in the tea industry. While
to the ineffectiveness of its leaders in advocating for both Bangladeshi and Indian tea workers faced similar
workers' rights during the recent wage raise movement. economic challenges, there is no direct evidence linking
The union's compromising stance in negotiations with the their mobilizations to global tea market prices. Instead,
government and estate owners has resulted in a loss of domestic factors such as inflation, cost of living
trust among the general workforce. Despite agreeing to increases, and local economic conditions appear to have
establish a fixed daily salary, workers persisted in their been the primary triggers for these labor actions.
demonstrations, refusing to accept the outcome. The The incident involving Pankaj Kand, the Ex-Vice-
emergence of new labor organizations has raised president of the Bangladesh Tea Workers' Union, and
concerns that estate proprietors may exploit vulnerable Nripen Pal, the Ex-General Secretary, visiting the
workers by dividing them. According to Narayan, an Kalighat Tea Garden in Moulvibazar, highlights the
employee at the Malnicherra Tea Estate in Sylhet, "The growing distrust among tea workers towards their union
efficacy of their leaders has diminished since they lack leaders. On August 22, 2022, the two leaders attempted
the fortitude to advocate for labor rights." to persuade workers to return to work after a wage
In August 2022, approximately 150,000 tea plantation dispute, but Pankaj Kand was physically abused by
6 Int. J. Sociol. Anthropol.

protesting workers. This incident showcases the depth of participation is a continuation of colonial-era labor
frustration among workers regarding the union's handling hierarchies, which have been perpetuated in postcolonial
of wage negotiations. The workers were demanding a governance structures. The majority of tea garden
daily wage increase from 120 Taka to 300 Taka, but the workers in Bangladesh are not affiliated with any political
union's agreement to a daily wage of 170 Taka was met parties.
with resistance. Ovan Tanti, President of the Panchayat
Committee of Kalighat Tea Garden, criticized the union
for not consulting workers before making decisions, The labour situation within the tea industry
particularly regarding the daily compensation rate. The
union's decision to establish a daily compensation rate The exploitation of tea workers by plantation owners has
without seeking worker input or involvement has persisted for an extended duration. However, the matter
contributed to the growing distrust. The Srihatta District gained widespread attention until recently when these
Tea Workers' Union, as a trade union organization, was employees initiated a large-scale protest, advocating for
established on June 3, 1948. On April 30, 1970, its first a wage of 300 BDT (USD 3.15) every workday.
executive committee was established. The union was Previously, their wage was at a mere 120 BDT (USD
governed by labor laws and operated to create workers' 1.25). The tea garden employees' quality of life has been
rights under its own constitution from June 1948 until May significantly deteriorating due to the combination of an
2006. exceedingly low daily salary, escalating inflation, and
In order to lessen the influence of their political rivals increased prices. Moreover, these individuals reside in
from the independent and traditional trade unions, local some of the most geographically isolated regions inside
officials of the then-ruling parties intervened directly in the the nation, where access to adequate medical and
organization in 2006, according to labor leaders. They educational resources is severely limited. During the
said that over the years, the concerned owners and early stages of plantation development, laborers were
ministries compelled the employees to choose their union sourced from famine-stricken disadvantaged tribal
leaders through absurd elections at various points, which populations, enticing them with the prospect of improved
caused the union members to become divided. President living conditions. However, the underlying objective was
of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sramik Federation Shamim Ara to establish a captive workforce characterized by low
said when asked about the division in the leadership of remuneration. Over the course of the past 170 years, tea
the tea workers. garden workers have diligently labored for five
The tea workers' grievances escalated progressively successive generations. Presently, the circumstances
due to the perceived subservient behavior of their leaders surrounding these workers necessitate the attention and
towards the tea plantation owners and management. In support of the governing body.
the event that novel labor organizations come into being, Despite the claims made by tea garden owners
it is likely that their conflicts will intensify, perhaps leading regarding the provision of USD 4 per day, which includes
to increased exploitation by tea plantation owners in benefits such as a medical fund and retirement benefits,
subsequent periods. the actual reality is that tea workers are only receiving a
meager ration of 3 kg of flour per week. This inadequate
provision leaves them in a state of constant hunger.
Political engagement in the mainstream Furthermore, alarming statistics reveal that 46% of
adolescents in these tea gardens are subjected to child
Equal rights for all citizens were guaranteed by the marriage, while 15% of females suffer from cervical
People's Republic of Bangladesh's constitution, cancer. The workers' protest culminated in the
regardless of their ethnicity, race, language, religion, or intervention of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resulting in
geographic region. Tea garden employees in Bangladesh the finalization of the daily wage at 170 BDT. However, it
often face systemic discrimination that extends beyond remains uncertain whether this amount adequately caters
economic exploitation to include social and political to the needs of these workers, who have been
marginalization. One significant form of this discrimination characterized as "modern-day slaves" by journalist and
is their limited participation in political processes, which is Society of Environment and Human Development (SEHD)
largely due to their historical exclusion, low literacy rates, Director Philip Gain. Specifically, concerns arise
and geographic isolation. These communities are often regarding their access to essential healthcare services
viewed as politically insignificant, leading to their and their ability to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.
underrepresentation in local governance and policy-
making forums. This marginalization is further
exacerbated by their ethnic and caste identities, which Underlying difficulties facing the tea sector in
place them outside the dominant socio-political networks. Bangladesh
As such, they remain largely voiceless in decisions that
directly impact their lives and livelihoods. Scholars like Bangladesh's tea sector is now dealing with several
Uddin (2020) argue that this exclusion from political difficulties. Earlier, it was mentioned that the volume of
 Salam 7

exports is steadily declining. In addition to this, there are presents remarkable prospects for future expansion. The
many other problems to solve. market for both traditional and high-quality tea, at both
local and worldwide levels, is currently experiencing an
upward trend. Consequently, if the country successfully
Old-fashioned irrigation system increases its tea production capacity, it is likely to yield a
substantial return on investment. This is mostly due to the
The irrigation infrastructure in the tea sector is incredibly existing disparity between the demands, which exceeds
outdated, which significantly reduces the production. the available supply.
Bangladesh's productivity per hectare is significantly The government's policy towards the tea sector has
lower than the global average, at only 1245 kg, while that consistently been supportive since its inception. Tea
of Kenya and Sri Lanka is 2321 and 1763 kg, production has been successfully launched in the low-
respectively. lying areas in the northern section of the country,
specifically in Panchagarh and Thakurgaon, with the aid
of this initiative. If unutilized and idle arable land that is
Dependence on a single labour source unsuitable for other agricultural purposes can be
repurposed for tea cultivation, it has the potential to
Only the tribal casts, who have been employed in the tea significantly contribute to satisfying the growing demand
industry for many years, make up the labour force in the for tea in both domestic and international markets. It is
nation. However because both the local and worldwide anticipated that the government will play a role in
demand are rising, there will soon be a severe labour promoting the development of novel tea varieties, as well
shortage if the source of labor is not diversified. Even the as improving the processes of production, marketing, and
current labour force has societal problems like child auctioning. The conversion of flat terrains into cultivable
marriage, receives a very meagre daily income, and has places for tea cultivation has exhibited considerable
very limited access to medical and educational promise, as evidenced by the fact that 12% of the present
resources. Their subpar lifestyle demotivates them to overall tea production is derived from these regions.
work and, to some extent, lowers their productivity. Given the rapid increase in demand, it is imperative to
utilize level terrains for the cultivation of tea. A current
and pioneering strategy within this sector involves the
Climate change promotion of tea as a skincare and beauty commodity.
The utilization of tea leaf by-products in the production of
Global warming has emerged as a significant issue due skincare products has the potential to establish a novel
to its implications for sustaining optimal weather business that not only satisfies domestic demand for
conditions. In recent times, the consequences of global beauty products but also facilitates international
warming have manifested in several forms, including exportation. This is due to the globally recognized
heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, heightened air humidity, medicinal and health properties associated with tea.
and conversely, prolonged periods of drought. Both of The primary objective at present should be to explore
these scenarios lead to decreased tea yields. strategies for maximizing domestic output in order to
facilitate the exportation of tea products while adequately
meeting local demand. In order to address unpredictable
Lack of customer interest for premium quality tea or adverse weather circumstances that may pose
obstacles, modern and artificial irrigation systems are
As tea consumption habits continue to gain popularity needed and lack viable alternatives. It is recommended to
among local customers, there appears to be a lack of replace the ancient tea bushes, which exhibit declining
enthusiasm for high-quality tea varieties, primarily production capacity, with young trees, as tea plants often
attributed to their relatively higher price points. However, experience a decline in their peak productivity rate over a
the premium quality tea industry exhibits significant specific duration. Furthermore, it is imperative to prioritize
variations when examined within an international the utilization of natural fertilizers in plantation gardens.
framework. In regions such as Europe and America, Other countries that produce tea are currently
there is a significant and potential demand for these high- experiencing a significant competitive edge as a result of
quality teas. In addition to this, the tea business in their low production costs and high levels of productivity.
Bangladesh exhibits numerous opportunities for In the context of Bangladesh, it is imperative to
expansion and possibilities for innovation. consider providing the current labor force with increased
daily pay in order to improve their standard of living.
Additionally, it is crucial to have sufficient training. The
The potential for growth and innovation current availability of land is inadequate to simultaneously
augment export quantities and meet local consumption
Despite encountering various hurdles, the tea sector demands. Consequently, it is imperative for authorities to
8 Int. J. Sociol. Anthropol.

support and promote the exploitation and extension of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

such land. The optimization of the supply chain, reduction
of impurities, and amplification of marketing initiatives for The author recognizes the funding support provided by
newly released tea variations may serve as effective the SUST Research Centre, Shahjalal University of
strategies to enhance the productivity of the domestic tea Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh, for the
business. year 2022-23.

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48.
labor rights, improved working conditions, and better Streeck W, Hassel A (2003). Trade unions as political actors.
wages for workers. Additionally, there is a push to International Handbook of Trade Unions.
modernize the industry through technological innovations Uddin MN (2020). Marginalization and political exclusion of tea garden
workers in Bangladesh. South Asia Research 40(2):194-210.
and sustainable practices. However, the road to World Bank (2013). World development report: Jobs.
meaningful change remains fraught with challenges. https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-
While the government’s approach appears to strike a reports/documentdetail/263351468330025810/world-development-
balance between immediate relief and long-term reforms, report-2013-jobs
the true impact of these measures will ultimately depend
on their effective implementation. The question remains:
will these changes be enough to break the cycle of
exploitation, or will the workers continue to bear the brunt
of an industry entrenched in inequity? Only time will tell.

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

The author has not declared any conflict of interests.

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