Tea labourers in Moulvibazar on Tuesday observed ‘Tea Labourers Day,’ locally known as ‘Mulluke Cholo’, to commemorate the tragic deaths of hundreds of tea garden workers during a revolt against British colonial rule in 1921.
Marking the 104th anniversary of the day, Bangladesh Tea Workers Federation and the Moulvi Tea Garden Panchayat Committee organised a range of events at the Moulvi Tea Garden, including floral tributes at a temporary Shaheed Minar, a workers’ gathering and a commemorative rally.
In addition, a separate discussion and remembrance meeting was held at the central office of the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union in Srimangal.
Pankaj A Kanda, vice-president of the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union, presided over the event, which was attended by organising secretary Bijoy Hajra, treasurer Paresh Kalindi, tea worker leaders Shuvas Robidash and Sumon Tanti, among others.
Speakers at the discussion reflected on the century-long struggle of tea workers and emphasised that despite 104 years since the massacre, their basic rights remained unmet. They urged the government to officially recognise May 20 as National Tea Labourers Day and observe it across the country.