Habiganj tea workers on strike

Workers of four tea gardens at Habiganj went on an indefinite strike since this morning demanding withdrawal of the government’s decision to establish a special economic zone (SEZ) in the district.

Around 15,000 workers stopped working at the gardens since 8:00am, reports our Moulvibazar correspondent.

A signboard saying 200 acres plain land has been requisitioned under the SEZ has already been set up at the site, Chandpur, the correspondent said quoting the witnesses.

The government has decided to develop five special economic zones across the country, one in Habiganj, under its Economic Zones Development Project at a cost of Tk 81.95 crore to attract both foreign and domestic investments.

The marginal-level labours have been opposing the decision saying that they will have to face a serious economic hardship, if the project is implemented there.

Shapon Shawtal, advisor of the tea labour union, said they earn their livelihood working at the tea gardens and cultivating the government land. “If the land is requisitioned, we will face acute financial crisis.

Amulya Kumar Chowdhury, officer-in-charge of Chunarughat Police Station, said additional police forces have been deployed in the area to avoid any confrontations.