Teliyapara Tea Garden, located in Madhabpur Upazila of Habiganj district, is not only known for its picturesque beauty but also holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s Liberation War history. This serene tea estate, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, was the site where key strategic decisions for the war were made in 1971. Today, Teliyapara remains a symbol of both natural splendor and historical importance, attracting visitors with its tranquil environment and rich legacy.
Teliyapara, Sep 12 (V7N) – Bangladesh's tea industry has a long and diverse history, dating back to the early 19th century. Tea cultivation first began in the Chittagong region. In 1828, land was allocated along the banks of the Karnaphuli River in Chittagong for tea farming. However, due to various challenges, progress was delayed. Eventually, in 1840, the first tea garden was established in what is now the Club area of Chittagong, named "Kund's Garden." Although short-lived, this garden is regarded as a key milestone in the foundation of the tea industry in Bangladesh. In 1854, the first commercial tea garden was established in the Malnicherra area of Sylhet.
With favorable climatic conditions for tea production, Bangladesh’s tea industry flourished. By the late 19th century, tea cultivation expanded to the Sylhet and Chittagong regions. During British rule, many new tea gardens were developed in Sylhet, significantly boosting the national economy. Despite its growth, the tea industry faced numerous challenges post-independence.
The 1971 Liberation War dealt a heavy blow to the tea industry, as many gardens were severely damaged. After the war, Bangladesh Government undertook major efforts to rejuvenate the industry. Government secured foreign loans to import new machinery and rebuild damaged factories. Additionally, Government implemented housing, clean water, education, and ration programs for tea workers, playing a key role in the industry’s recovery. In honor of June 4 was declared National Tea Day in 2020, with celebrations beginning in 2021.
Tea is one of the most popular beverages globally, with a history spanning almost 5,000 years. According to Chinese legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when leaves from a nearby tree accidentally fell into his boiling water. Upon drinking the brew, he felt refreshed, marking the beginning of tea as a popular drink.
Tea cultivation was introduced to India from China in the early 19th century, but the Chinese tea plants struggled to adapt to the local climate. Eventually, a crossbreed of Chinese and local varieties was developed, better suited to the Indian climate. By 1851, Assam tea had gained recognition in Britain under the "Assam Brand," significantly boosting the region's tea industry.
Tea production in Bangladesh largely began during British rule, with much of the tea being exported. Following the partition of India in 1947, Sylhet's tea industry faced significant challenges, but investments by Pakistani entrepreneurs helped revive it. After Bangladesh gained independence, domestic demand for tea grew, propelling rapid industry growth.
Teliapara Tea Garden holds a notable place in Bangladesh’s Liberation War history. Located in Madhabpur Upazila, Habiganj district, critical war decisions were made at this site. On April 4, 1971, a vital meeting was held here, attended by Commander-in-Chief Ataul Gani Osmani and 27 senior officers from the East Bengal Regiment. It was at this meeting that Bangladesh was divided into 11 sectors and 3 brigades, with commanders like Major Ziaur Rahman, Major Shafiullah, and Major Khaled Mosharraf appointed to lead various sectors.
Teliapara Tea Garden, about two kilometers from the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway or Teliapara Railway Station, offers picturesque views with winding roads flanked by tea gardens. The scenic area, featuring both flat and hilly terrain, has become a popular picnic spot. Nearby are the Surma, Chanpur, and Chandichhara tea gardens, as well as the Satchhari National Park. The bullet-shaped war memorial and manager’s bungalow preserve memories of the Liberation War. The tea production process includes leaf plucking, moisture reduction, rolling, fermentation, drying, grading, and packaging.
The altitude of a tea garden significantly affects tea quality; tea grown at altitudes of 900 meters or more is considered to be of the highest quality. The tea gardens surrounding Teliapara are at an altitude of less than 500 meters.
In 2023, Bangladesh set a record by producing 102.92 million kilograms of tea, the highest in its history. The country now has 168 tea gardens, most of which are in the Sylhet region. In 1970, the number of tea gardens was 150.
There are currently two tea auction centers in the country—Chittagong and Srimangal. Since 2002, under the Tea Board’s guidance, small-scale tea cultivation has expanded to Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, and Bandarban, with great success.
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