Habiganj, Aug 08 (V7N) — Hundreds of workers at the Noapara Tea Estate in Habiganj's Madhabpur upazila suspended work on Friday, demanding payment of overdue weekly wages and ration allowances, disrupting normal operations at the plantation.
According to workers, around 900 employees stayed away from work after the estate failed to pay their weekly wages and ration benefits on Thursday as scheduled.
The workers said they have long faced delays in receiving wages and other benefits, including bonuses, arrears, housing support, access to safe drinking water and healthcare services. They alleged that despite waiting until Thursday night, they received no payment, prompting the work stoppage.
Labour leader Khelu Nayek said tea workers continue to maintain production despite receiving low wages, but it has become increasingly difficult to support their families without regular payment of wages and rations.
"If workers are not paid what they are owed, it is impossible for them to continue working," he said.
Noapara Tea Estate Panchayat President Comrade Nayek said the estate was once regarded as a well-managed plantation but has experienced growing operational and management challenges in recent years.
He blamed what he described as poor management for the current situation and said workers would continue their strike until their outstanding dues are paid.
Estate management acknowledged the financial difficulties but attributed the delayed payments to prolonged economic losses and banking-related complications.
Estate Manager Sohag Mahmud said the plantation has been facing financial hardship for the past four years, making it difficult to meet operational expenses and clear outstanding payments.
He said banking issues prevented the company from paying workers on Thursday but added that management expects all pending wages and ration allowances to be paid by Sunday or Monday.
The management expressed hope that workers would return to work once the payments are made.
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