In August 2022, the tea gardens of Bangladesh became the center of a significant labor movement as thousands of tea workers staged protests demanding fair wages and better working conditions. The protests, which spread across various districts, highlighted the long-standing exploitation of tea laborers, many of whom belong to indigenous communities.
Tea workers in Bangladesh, particularly in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Chattogram, live in conditions shaped by colonial-era labor structures. Earning as little as 120 BDT per day (before the increase to 170 BDT after protests), these workers struggled to meet their basic needs amid rising inflation. The protests of August 2022 were a desperate cry for justice—demanding a daily wage of at least 300 BDT.
Indigenous Tea Workers: A Double Burden
Among the thousands of tea laborers, many are indigenous people from communities such as the Khasi, Santal, and Oraon. These workers not only face economic hardship but also systemic marginalization. Their indigenous identity often subjects them to discrimination, and their ancestral lands have frequently been encroached upon by tea estates.
One indigenous tea worker I spoke to during my visit in 2022 shared:
“We have been here for generations, but we are still treated as outsiders. We don’t have land rights, our wages are too low to survive, and when we protest, we are threatened.”
The 2022 Protests: A Historic Stand
The strikes and demonstrations forced the government to negotiate with tea estate owners, eventually leading to a modest wage increase. However, many laborers argue that this increase is insufficient. The rising cost of living, lack of healthcare, and absence of proper education for their children continue to keep tea workers in a cycle of poverty.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of Bangladesh’s tea workers remains unshaken. Indigenous and non-indigenous laborers stood side by side in 2022, proving that their collective voices cannot be ignored. The movement highlighted the urgent need for labor reforms, wage justice, and recognition of indigenous rights within the tea industry.
As Bangladesh moves forward, the question remains: Will the tea workers, who sustain a multi-million-dollar industry, finally receive the dignity and justice they deserve?
U Mimi Marma Mimi
