Tea workers block Sylhet airport road over unpaid wages
Sylhet Bureau :
2,500 workers from Charagang, Kalagul, and Burjan tea gardens — as well as the Burjan tea factory — have reportedly not received wages for the past 20 weeks. All of these are operated under the Burjan Tea Company
Hundreds of tea workers in Sylhet today (4 May) blocked the Osmani Airport Road at Chowkidekhi, demanding payment of wages pending for 20 weeks.
The blockade began around 1pm, with workers also holding a procession in the area. A large number of law enforcement personnel, including members of the army, were deployed to maintain order.
The protesting workers declared they would continue their demonstration until they received a clear assurance regarding the payment of outstanding wages. The protest programme had been announced in advance.
Tea workers leader Ajit Roy said, our salaries have been stopped for 5 months, rations have been stopped. We have only one thing, we have to solve our problems. Otherwise, we will not leave the road. You have brought us to the road, we have been telling our problems on various occasions. No one has taken any action.
He also said, how many people are hungry, they have not been given ration even after taking the cards. You have not seen their miserable life. You should specifically tell us in writing when you will be able to solve this problem.
At this time, an army officer said, I will stand with you, I have told you. Why did you block the road? Do you understand the official process? The UNO is coming, he assures. He will try to solve the matter.
Tea workers and Tea Garden Protection Committee convener Ranjit Nayek Ranju said, ‘Despite repeated assurances, no one has kept their word. We have heard many promises, but not a single one has been fulfilled. Therefore, we are blocking the Sylhet Airport Road in Malnichara today to realize our demands.’
Burjan Tea Garden Manager Md. Kamruzzaman said, ‘We have applied for a loan from the Agricultural Bank. We have not received the loan yet, if we get it, all the arrears of the workers will be paid.’
Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat said, we are making sincere efforts to solve your problems. We are working to resolve your demands including your arrears of salary, the problems you have as soon as possible.
Regarding the written demand from the administration, the UNO said, you have been patient for a long time. According to your demands, we will inform you in writing today when we will be able to solve this problem.
It is not possible to give a written request by standing here on the road, you 5 representatives of the panchayat go to my office. We will inform you in writing. At this time, the problem will be resolved quickly by talking to the Deputy Commissioner, said the UNO.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Sylhet Md. Anwar Uz Zaman said, ‘The district administration has distributed food and relief materials among about 2,600 affected workers. We have already talked to the ministry and the tea board about the pending salaries of the workers.’