Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir informed the National Parliament that the National Security Intelligence Directorate has identified 31 tea estates as high-risk due to labor unrest over unpaid wages. He made the statement on Tuesday in response to a question from BNP lawmaker Selina Sultana during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The report, dated May 18, 2025, highlighted wage disputes and management disorder following some owners abandoning their estates in August 2024.

The minister said that although there is no current policy for identifying sick tea gardens, the Bangladesh Tea Board has taken several measures to address wage arrears and restore normal operations. Two committees were formed to reopen the closed Burjan and Phultola estates, and financial aid was provided from the Tea Board’s welfare fund. Both gardens are now operating normally.

He added that the government arranged special exports of unsold tea from 12 National Tea Company estates to pay workers’ dues and continues to ensure rations, healthcare, housing, and other welfare benefits for tea workers. A family card program is also being introduced to improve living standards.