Habiganj, May 26 -- Tea workers at four tea gardens in Habiganj began an indefinite strike on Tuesday pressing home a seven-point demand, including payment of outstanding wages, rations and festival bonuses.

The work stoppage began in the morning at the Deundi, Lalchand, Mrityinga and Noapara tea gardens in Chunarughat and Madhabpur upazilas.

Workers said around 5,000 labourers across the four gardens have been facing severe hardship due to irregular payment of weekly wages over the past several weeks.

They alleged that many families are struggling to survive as the management has failed to clear dues and ensure basic facilities.

According to workers, a tripartite meeting involving garden authorities, labour representatives and offici...