FROM PAGE 3

Selim Ahmed, a Rajghat Union Parishad member and tea workers’ leader, alleged that unelected individuals were clinging to power.

“We have repeatedly demanded elections and even issued ultimatums, but there has been no action,” he added.

Observers linked the clash between two groups of workers at Teliapara Tea Garden in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj on February 23 this year to disputes stemming from the absence of an elected panchayat committee.

“In the absence of legitimate leadership, misunderstandings, internal feuds, and violence are increasing. Timely elections could have prevented such divisions,” said Lalon Tanti, president of the Teliapara panchayat.

Current union leaders, however, rejected the allegation of stagnation and cited financial and administrative hurdles to holding the elections.

They said a letter was sent to the Department of Labour in 2022 seeking support for the polls, but the process stalled.

“We have taken steps, including communicating with the Department of Labour, but financial and administrative complications have delayed the process,” said Nripen Paul, acting general secretary of the union’s central committee.

He acknowledged that expired committees did not enjoy the same acceptance among workers as elected ones and that problems were emerging in many gardens as a result.

Pankaj Kanda, vice-president of the union, admitted the leadership itself was uneasy with the situation.

“It is not easy to remain in charge without an election for so long,” he said. “We also feel uncomfortable continuing without a fresh mandate, but the situation is beyond our control.”

Tea workers’ leader Sitaram Bin cited disputes over constitutional amendments, changes in the election commission’s structure, and a shortage of funds for the prevailing situation.

“The delay in holding elections is weakening the democratic structure of the union. Leadership without accountability -- through expired or ad hoc committees -- cannot properly represent workers,” he added.

For tea garden workers, the cost of the impasse continues to be reflected in low wages, inadequate accommodation and healthcare, and weakened collective bargaining rights.

Sanjoy Kanto Das, adviser to Cha Sramik Oikyo, said that the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union (B–77) was established to safeguard workers’ wages and rights — not to serve political interests.

“However, in recent years, the union has frequently acted under the influence of the ruling party, often prioritising government favour over the legitimate demands of workers. The 2023 gazette further weakened the union by restricting its authority to negotiate wages for five years, yet the leadership failed to protest it,” he also said.

Consequently, long-standing problems in tea gardens remain unresolved, and dissatisfaction among workers continues to grow.

Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner Touhiduzzaman Pavel said the tea workers’ leaders had submitted a memorandum demanding the union elections. Steps will be taken after talking to the director general of the Department of Labour.