DHAKA, June 3, 2024 (BSS) -The National Tea Day-2024 will be observed tomorrow for the 4th time in the country with the theme 'Smart Bangladesher Sangkalpa, Raptanimukhi Cha Shilpa'.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, on the eve of the day, extending greetings to all who are involved in the tea sector.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said, "On the occasion of 'National Tea Day', I extend my sincere greetings to tea workers, owners and all associated with this industry."

Noting that 'Tea' is one of the main export products of the country, he said tea industry started its journey in the part of the world through commercial production of Sylhet's Mahalchhari tea garden in 1854.

The President mentioned that Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first Bengali Chairman of the Tea Board and Bangabandhu had played role for the sustainable development and research of the tea industry during his tenure from June 4, 1957 to October 23, 1958.

Bangabandhu later made an outstanding contribution to the rehabilitation of the war-damaged tea industry after the country became independent, he added.

He said the government took various steps for tea production when the tea export came down when demand went up in the domestic market. As a result, a record 102.92 million kg of tea was produced in 2023, he said.

The President hoped that the efforts of all concerned in the tea industry, including the Ministry of Commerce and Bangladesh Tea Board, will continue to increase their contribution towards the tea industry for maintaining the overall development of the tea industry.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Bangabandhu made outstanding contributions to the country's tea industry during his tenure as the first Bangalee Chairman of the Tea Board.

Under his direct instruction, the Tea Research Institute at Srimangal and the Tea Board office at Motijheel, Dhaka were established in 1957, said the premier.

The date 'June 4' has been declared as 'The National Tea Day' to commemorate Bangabandhu's contribution to the tea industry and make the date of his joining in the Tea Board memorable, she added.

When the Awami League government came to power in 1996, it took initiative to expand the tea cultivation in the North Bengal of the country, she said, adding that as a result, tea cultivation has expanded in Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Dinajpur and Rangpur districts.

She said the government laid emphasis on boosting production and export of quality tea to bring back country's old tradition in tea export. The country earned Tk 272 million through exporting tea to 13 countries in 2023, she added.   
 
The government has taken various steps including providing cash incentives to tea export and national tea award in top tea export category, participation in international tea fairs and expediting the activities in Bangladesh mission abroad to boost tea export.
 
"Smart economy is one of the main pillars of Smart Bangladesh . . . I hope all concerned including tea growers and those who are working in marketing tea will work sincerely in boosting tea exports by implementing smart commerce in tea industry," the premier added.

Both the president and the premier wished all the success of the day.