13 November 2026 – Shylet:- The authorities of Finlay Tea Company have announced the indefinite closure of the Khezurichhara Tea Garden and Tea Factory under the Deanston Division in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, following protests by tea workers over alleged obstruction to the construction of a temple and their demand for the removal of the official concerned.
The closure will take effect on Friday, November 13, 2026, leaving thousands of tea workers without work and raising concerns about the financial security of their families.
The decision was announced in a notice issued on Thursday, November 12, and signed by the company’s Chief Executive Officer (Estates). Golam Shibli, General Manager of Finlay Tea Company’s Bhadoura Division, confirmed the matter.
According to the notice, workers at Khezurichhara Tea Garden and Factory allegedly observed an “illegal” work stoppage without prior notice from October 27 to 29. The notice further stated that on Thursday, workers refused to resume their duties and allegedly threatened workers employed at the Deanston Tea Factory, Poly Pack Factory and Central Workshop Store, forcing them to leave their workplaces.
The company claimed that these incidents had created disorder and instability in the garden, making it impossible to continue operations under the prevailing circumstances.
Citing Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 (as amended), the company announced the indefinite closure of the tea garden and factory from November 13. The notice stated that workers participating in the strike would not receive wages during the closure.
However, permanent workers assigned to essential services and property protection—including the Poly Pack Factory, Deanston Central Workshop Store, garden security, watchmen, bungalow, staff quarters and medical department—will remain outside the scope of the closure.
According to local sources, tea workers had begun constructing a small temple inside Deanston Tea Garden to facilitate religious worship within their community. During the construction, Deputy General Manager (DGM) Humayun Kabir allegedly intervened and obstructed the work.
The incident reportedly sparked anger and resentment among the workers, who subsequently launched a work stoppage demanding the official’s removal from the garden.
A joint meeting involving garden authorities and tea workers’ representatives was later held to resolve the situation. According to the available information, a decision was taken at the meeting to transfer or remove the concerned official in light of the circumstances.
However, as the decision was not implemented within the expected timeframe, workers’ dissatisfaction reportedly intensified. They subsequently resumed protests, with allegations of threats and disruptions at different workplaces.
Citing the deteriorating situation, the company decided to suspend all operations at the garden indefinitely.
The closure has raised fears of severe financial hardship among the workers and their families, many of whom depend entirely on tea garden employment for their livelihoods. Local community representatives and labour leaders have called for urgent negotiations between the two sides to resolve the impasse and reopen the garden, stressing the need to protect the workers’ livelihoods.
