Govt working to boost tea export: Sk. Bashir

Business Report :

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin on Wednesday said the government is actively working to boost tea exports after fulfilling domestic demand.
He urged all stakeholders to promote the tea industry both within the country and in international markets.
The Adviser made these remarks while speaking at a ceremony marking the 5th National Tea Day, held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
Addressing the issue of fair pricing in the tea industry, he noted that if the country produces 9.30 crore kilograms of tea, its market value would be around Tk 3,700 to Tk 4,000 crore. However, when calculated at the consumer level or street value, the total expenditure reaches approximately Tk 8,000 to Tk 10,000 crore.
“If we can ensure a balanced distribution of tea, it will help us break the vicious cycle holding back the industry and protect tea as a valuable national resource. Integrated steps must be taken to unlock the sector’s full potential,” Sk. Bashir said.
Bashir further noted the government’s intention to restore discipline in the tea sector, addressing mismanagement related to customs and the duty structure, stabilizing market prices, and ensuring fairness and transparency, according to a Commerce Ministry press release.
He emphasized that the prosperity of tea gardens requires joint efforts from both garden owners and workers.
The Adviser also stressed the importance of diversifying tea products and enhancing their appeal to consumers.
The event was presided over by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman. Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Major General Sheikh Mohammad Sarwar Hossain delivered the welcome address.
Among others, Tea Traders Association of Bangladesh President Shah Moinuddin Hasan, Bangladesh Tea Association President Kamran T Rahman, National Tea Award 2024 recipient and tea worker Jesmin Akhter, and Acting President of the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union Nripen Pal also spoke at the event.
On the occasion, the Commerce Adviser presented crests and certificates to the winners of the National Tea Award 2025 in eight categories, along with two special awards for the highest tea-producing factories.
Earlier, Bashir inaugurated the 5th National Tea Day celebrations by releasing balloons, and later visited various stalls at the tea fair.