Sreemangal tea garden reopens on 4 conditions

The Finlay-owned Khejurichhara Tea Garden and factory in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, which had been shut indefinitely amid labour unrest and internal disputes, are set to resume operations following an agreement reached between management, workers and local administration.

The decision came after a day-long meeting organised by the upazila administration on Friday (November 13), with the garden and factory reopening the same day. Workers are scheduled to return to their duties from Saturday.

The emergency meeting was held at the Sreemangal Upazila Parishad conference room, chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ziaur Rahman.

Representatives of Finlay Tea Company, protesting tea workers, local BNP leaders, police officials, social activists, elected representatives and journalists attended the meeting.

After lengthy discussions and negotiations, all parties reached a consensus to resolve the dispute through a written agreement containing four conditions.

Under the agreement, the garden's deputy general manager (DGM) must refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could hurt religious sentiments or create misunderstandings. Any recurrence of such incidents will invite action against him based on evidence.

The second decision requires the upazila administration to form a committee to ensure that religious ceremonies at the garden's temple are conducted with due solemnity and respect.

Third, arrangements will be made for government funding to expedite the renovation and development of the temple.

The fourth condition stipulates that no party should engage in retaliatory actions over the dispute, and that the workers' employment and normal working environment must remain unaffected.

Representatives of the concerned parties signed the written agreement at the end of the meeting.

Earlier, on November 12, Finlay Tea Company issued a written notice announcing the indefinite closure of its Khejurichhara Tea Garden and factory under the Deanston Division, citing labour unrest and internal disputes. The announcement triggered anger and tension among workers.

Speaking after the meeting, UNO Md Ziaur Rahman said constructive discussions had been held with all concerned parties to resolve the deadlock and labour unrest.

He said four decisions had been adopted unanimously after considering the positions of both workers and management.

The agreement, he added, has paved the way for the resolution of the impasse and a return to a normal working environment at the tea garden.make it