Sylhet, the northeastern divisional city of Bangladesh, is the major tea-producing region of the country where a large number
of low-income workers completely depending on extremely labor-intensive economic activity for their bread and butter, live
in and around the tea gardens. The living conditions of these communities are remarkably meager due to the lack of proper
utility facilities, especially in water supply and sanitation sectors. A study was conducted at Lakkatura and Ali Bahar Tea
Estates to assess the deteriorated sanitation condition of the tea garden workers community and to determine the constraints
before the improvement of the condition. It was found that the existing sanitary condition of both of the tea garden slums
is very poor because of the same topographical condition and socioeconomic and cultural status of the dwellers. About 50%
to 60% tea garden workers still are used to open defecation causing various excreta related diseases and not practiced with
washing hand after defecation. Lack of knowledge and awareness about health and hygiene, unwillingness, poverty, superstitions,
etc. are responsible for the deteriorated condition of the sanitation system. Based on the analysis, providing latrines free
of costs, undertaking extensive motivational and awareness programs and publicity, regular consultation of tea garden workers
with the health specialists, and vector control staff of concerned utilities as well as an integrated water supply, sanitation,
and hygiene promotion programs should be considered as the priority in order to improve the deteriorated sanitary conditions
in two tea gardens.
Keywords Bangladesh - Tea garden - Sanitation - Poverty - Socioeconomic condition