Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin spoke at a function marking the 5th National Tea Day at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, May 21, 2025 (BSS) - Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today said that the government is working to enhance the export of tea after meeting the local demand.

He also called upon all to highlight the tea industry both at local and international markets.

The Commerce Adviser was addressing a function marking the 5th National Tea Day held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Referring to the issue of not getting fair prices for tea, he said that if 9.30 crore kgs of tea are produced in the country, then its market value stands at Taka 3,700 crore to Taka 4,000 crore. However, if it is converted into street value, then an expected expenditure of around Taka 8,000 crore to Taka 10,000 crore happens at consumer level.

"If we can ensure its balanced distribution, then we'll be able to find out a way forward to protect the national resource tea from the vicious cycle of the tea industry. We'll have to take integrated steps to seize the vast potentials of the tea industry," he added.

Mentioning that the government wants to restore discipline in the tea industry, Bashir said that the government wants to halt the mismanagement in the customs and duty structure surrounding the tea industry as well as restoring stability in the prices of tea in the market and thus ensure justice, said a Commerce Ministry press release.

Putting emphasis on ensuring the prosperity of the tea gardens, the Commerce Adviser said that concerted efforts are needed in this regard from the tea garden owners and the workers.

He also underscored the need for ensuring diversification of tea products and making those attractive.

Presided over by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Major General Sheikh Mohammad Sarwar Hossain gave the address of welcome.

Tea Traders Association of Bangladesh President Shah Moinuddin Hasan, Bangladesh Tea Association President Kamran T Rahman, National Tea Award-2024 winner and tea worker Jesmin Akhter and Bangladesh Tea Workers Union Acting President Nripen Pal spoke on the occasion.
The Commerce Adviser handed over crests and certificates to the winners of the National Tea Award 2025 in eight categories and two special awards in the highest tea producing factory category.

Earlier, Bashir inaugurated the operations of the 5th National Tea Day through releasing balloons. Later, he visited various stalls set up in the tea fair.