Tea workers on strike for puja bonus, arrears

Around 1,866 tea workers of Patrokhola Tea Garden in Kamalganj of Moulvibazar observed a strike yesterday, demanding Durga Puja bonus and arrears.

They announced to continue their strike today if their demands are not met.

"We have been hearing only assurances. But the owners are not paying us. They keep saying that the garden is incurring losses," said worker Sadhona Roy.

Worker Pratap Gaur said, "We organise Durga Puja with our bonus. Due to lack of money, we have not been able to decorate the puja mandap yet this year."

Anwar Hossain, manager of the tea garden, said at least Tk 7 crore is needed to pay the wages, bonus, and arrears. "The bank at the upazila level, however, does not have that much money at its disposal, so a complication has arisen. We will resolve the issue soon," he said.