Tea worker's union polls on Nov 28 after 8-yr

The Bangladesh Tea Workers Union is set to hold its election on November 28 after an eight-year gap, with around 100,000 workers expected to vote across 231 tea gardens nationwide.

Nipen Paul, general secretary of the union and a candidate for the same post said, More than 3,500 candidates are expected to contest different posts, while over 600 panels may take part in the electionThe last election of the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union (Registration No B-77), the only trade union representing the country's tea workers, was held on June 24, 2018. 

Although the union's constitution requires elections every three years, legal complications, including proceedings at the High Court, prevented the polls scheduled for 2021 and 2024.

General secretary of the union said,  Voting will be held for the 15-member panchayat committees in each tea garden, including their presidents and general secretaries. Elections will also be held for the union's central leadership and representatives of its seven valleys.

The seven valleys are Laskarpur, Balisira, Manu-Dhalai, Longla, Juri, Sylhet and Chattogram.

Polling will take place from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on November 28. Preparations, including updating voter lists, are underway to ensure a free, fair and impartial election, he added.

Several panels are preparing to contest key central leadership positions. Those led by Raju Goala, Bijoy Bunerjee and Pankaj Kanda are vying for the presidency. Meanwhile, Nipen Paul and Paresh Kalindi are preparing to contest the general secretary's post.

Candidates for valley and panchayat-level positions are also expected to begin formal campaigning following the announcement of the schedule. Under the union's constitution, elections must be held every three years.