PF funds defalcated, tea workers protest in Moulvibazar

A two-day protest erupted at a tea estate in Kulaura over allegations that Tk 2.24 lakh deposited as a deceased worker’s Provident Fund dues was withdrawn but not handed over to his family.

Workers of Bijoya Tea Estate, owned by the National Tea Company and located in Joychandi Union of Kulaura upazila, staged protests in front of the estate manager’s office on Tuesday and Wednesday demanding redress. They later returned to work following assurances from the estate manager.

Jariya Kharia was a regular worker at the tea estate. He died in 2022 due to old age and various ailments.

Following his death, his wife and children applied for money from his Provident Fund (PF) account. In response to the application, Tk 2,24,360, representing Jariya Kharia’s pension dues, was deposited into the Bijoya Tea Estate’s account towards the end of 2023.

At the time, Kishon Chandra Das, known as Chhana Babu, was serving as a clerk at Bijoya Tea Estate. He was also a resident of the estate. He is currently working as a clerk at Parkul Tea Estate in Madhabpur upazila, which is also owned by the National Tea Company.

According to the allegations, Chhana Babu withdrew the PF money but misappropriated it instead of handing it over to Jariya’s family.

Meanwhile, he allegedly told the family that the funds had not yet arrived and assured them that the money would be handed over as soon as it was received.

He allegedly continued to stall for time. As the matter dragged on, Chhana Babu was transferred from Bijoya Tea Estate to Parkul Tea Estate in early 2026.

Left with no other option, Jariya’s wife and children informed fellow workers Kanu Layek, Rafiq Miah and Lachman Pashi about the situation. When they reported the matter to Estate Manager Humayun Kabir, the alleged irregularity came to light.

Many garden workers, including Kanu Layek, Rafiq Miah and Lachman Pashi, said the Provident Fund money for the workers had indeed been deposited in 2023.

However, they alleged that former garden clerk Chhana Babu, clerk Shiuli Banerjee and Panchayat Committee President Kiran Shukla Baidya had colluded to withdraw and misappropriate the funds.

They said that after the matter came to light, the three made contradictory statements. Consequently, agitated workers removed Kiran Shukla Baidya from his position as Panchayat Committee president and appointed Lachman Pashi in his place.

The workers have formed a committee with a designated convener. At the same time, they appealed to the authorities to take necessary action against former clerk Chhana Babu and clerk Shiuli Banerjee.

The workers have temporarily suspended their agitation following assurances from the estate manager.

However, they warned that they would launch a tougher protest if appropriate measures were not taken.
Kiran Shukla Baidya, the former president of the Panchayat Committee, said he was unaware of anything regarding the funds from Jariya’s PF account. He said that if anyone could prove his involvement, he was willing to accept whatever punishment was imposed.

Regarding the allegation, Kishon Chandra Das (Chhana Babu), the former clerk of Bijoya Tea Estate, said he had not taken any money from Jariya Kharia’s Provident Fund. He claimed that the funds had been used for estate operations and said the money was scheduled to be paid this coming Sunday.

When asked whether there was any rule allowing a worker’s funds to be spent on estate operations and why the matter had been kept under wraps for so long, he offered no answer, saying that he was busy. Chhana Babu then disconnected the phone call.

Regarding the matter, Estate Manager Humayun Kabir said Chhana Babu had been transferred shortly after he joined the estate. Acting on information received from the workers, he examined old files and discovered that the Provident Fund money belonging to Jariya Kharia had been withdrawn two years earlier.

“Chhana Babu also admitted to this. However, it is truly unfortunate that Jariya did not receive the funds on time,” he said.

The manager added that higher authorities were being informed so that necessary action could be taken against those involved.