For tea-loving Bengalis, tea is not just a beverage; it’s a daily companion intertwined with moments of joy, sorrow, passion, habit, lively conversations, and warm hospitality.
Whether it’s a heated debate on politics and world affairs at a roadside tea stall over a ten-taka cup of tea, casual chats about sports, or simply unwinding at home after a long day with a soothing sip -- tea is inseparable from Bengali life.
While some may argue whether this love for tea is a legacy or a habit inherited from the British, the truth remains: Tea is a ritual, an emotion, and a cultural cornerstone. But beyond the sentimental ties, every leaf of tea carries stories of the tireless toil and resilience of tea workers.
From its cultivation to its meticulous processing, tea represents not just a drink but also an economic lifeline for Bangladesh. The tea industry holds immense potential, serving as both a symbol of perseverance and a promise for the nation's economic future.
Production potential
The journey of tea cultivation in Bangladesh began long ago, but its progress has often been less remarkable than one might hope. Before 1971, Bangladesh had 150 tea gardens. Today, there are 168 with major centres in Chittagong and Moulvibazar, with small-scale spreading to areas like Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, and Dinajpur, employing over 300,000 workers, 75% of whom are from tea-producing areas.
Between 2001 and 2023, tea production rose from 53.15 million to 102.92 million kilograms, but exports declined sharply from 12.92 million to 0.54 million kilograms in 2015, with slight recovery after that and this shift points to increased domestic consumption. Interestingly, the global demand for tea continues to rise but the tea industry remains underutilized.
Bangladesh's ideal soil and climate offer great potential for increasing tea production. With proper planning and modernization, the industry can thrive, cultivating improved varieties through advanced technology. However, it’s not just about advancing the industry, it's also crucial to prioritize workers by providing better conditions, training, and stability. Improving their work environment will enhance tea quality and boost productivity, making Bangladesh competitive in global markets.
Expanding tea plantations into new areas like Panchagarh and barren land, as well as regions like Greater Chittagong and Bandarban, will diversify the industry to meet growing global and domestic demand.
The tea industry holds immense potential, serving as both a symbol of perseverance and a promise for the nation's economic future
Disruptions in the industry
The tea industry faces immense challenges, with political instability disrupting plantations and devastating workers' lives. Recently, Madhabpur Tea Estate closed due to political instability, with the owner facing difficult conditions, leaving workers without income and struggling to survive.
Government relief has been insufficient, and urgent action is needed to ensure political stability and protect the tea sector. A security fund for workers could guarantee wages during unrest, while coordination between the Tea Board and local administrations would help maintain production during turbulent time
Tea tourism
Bangladesh’s tea gardens are more than just tea -- they are green oases with potential for tea tourism. The concept is gaining global traction, with Darjeeling, India, being a prime example of how tea estates can transform into major tourist attractions. Bangladesh, with its rich tea heritage and breathtaking tea gardens, has the potential to capitalize on this trend, generating significant foreign revenue.
Regions like Srimangal, Kamolganj, and Panchagarh, home to renowned estates like Madhabpur Tea estate, Kazi & Kazi Tea estate, attract many tourists throughout the year. However, poor management and lack of cleanliness are damaging the natural heritage. The Kazi & Kazi estate’s aesthetic bungalow, a generational treasure, is deteriorating due to maintenance.
The government must take responsibility for proper management and ensure that tea tourism is developed sustainably, preserving the environment while maximizing its potential as a tourist attraction.
A balance between tourism development and environmental conservation is crucial. Protecting the beauty of tea gardens and local biodiversity will allow tea tourism to thrive, benefiting both the economy and the environment.
If we unleash its immense potential with strategic investments, modernization, and attention to worker welfare, tea can become a powerhouse for both production and tourism.
Rafad Asgar (Email: rafad.asgar@bigm.edu.bd) and Samira Tasnim (Email: samira.tasnim@bigm.edu.bd) are Research Associates at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).