Tea garden workers in Habiganj have begun an indefinite work stoppage demanding payment of overdue wages, rations, and festival bonuses, along with seven other points. The strike started on Monday morning across four estates—Deundi, Lalchan, Mritinga, and Noapara—located in Chunarughat and Madhabpur upazilas. Around 5,000 workers are reportedly facing severe hardship due to weeks of unpaid weekly wages, leading to growing frustration and uncertainty over salaries and bonuses.

A tripartite meeting was held on May 6 in Srimangal between owners, workers, and the labor department, where it was decided that all arrears would be cleared promptly. The meeting also agreed on repairing dilapidated housing before the monsoon and ensuring medical facilities as per labor law. However, the workers allege that the owners failed to implement these decisions, prompting the strike. Workers have been staging sit-ins at local temples instead of reporting to the gardens and factories.

According to the Deundi Tea Garden Panchayat Committee president, the strike will continue until the seven-point demands are met.