PM commits full support to revive tea industry

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged full government support to help revive Bangladesh’s tea industry by boosting production and addressing its long-standing challenges.

He made the commitment yesterday while chairing a meeting on the development of the country’s tea sector at the Secretariat in Dhaka, according to a press release.

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The government would provide the policy, financial and institutional support needed to help the industry grow, he said.

During the meeting, the prime minister assured tea garden owners that the burden of their existing loans would be eased and that low-interest credit would be made available.

He also said the government was considering allowing tea gardens to generate solar power on land unsuitable for cultivation and pledged the economic support needed to implement such renewable energy projects.

The prime minister further directed the formation of a committee comprising representatives from relevant ministries, departments and tea industry bodies to identify the sector’s challenges and recommend effective solutions.

Tea garden owners and industry representatives from across the country highlighted a range of issues, including rising production costs, limited access to finance, high energy costs and the challenge of remaining competitive in international markets.

They also submitted a set of proposals aimed at ensuring the industry’s sustainable development.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood; Minister for Land Mizanur Rahman Minu; Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir; State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin; Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar; and tea garden owners and representatives of industry organisations.