Tea is more than just a drink, it is woven into our lives, memories and culture. Every cup carries stories of people, time and emotions. When we sip tea, we connect to the hills where it grows, to the hands that carefully pick the leaves and to everyone who makes it possible for it to reach our tables. In Bangladesh, tea is part of our daily rhythm, the morning cup that wakes us up, the roadside "cha-er adda" where friends gather and the shared pot that accompanies long conversations, laughter and even moments of sadness.
Tea has a history that stretches far beyond our borders. Its journey began in the forests of Asia and eventually reached the Sylhet and Chattogram hills through trade and time. Those green hills tell stories of generations who laboured to make tea an integral part of our economy and identity. Tea is not just a product; it is a piece of our heritage.
However, behind every cup, challenges exist. People who grow and harvest the leaves often earn very little and the industry faces threats like climate change and fluctuating prices. Protecting our tea culture means supporting fair wages, sustainable farming and safer working conditions for these workers.
Tea also requires balance for our own health. While it is comforting and beneficial, too much caffeine can lead to sleeplessness or unease. Balance here means choosing lighter teas if you drink often, and savoring a cup at your own pace if you drink less. But tea is not about quantity: it is about sharing moments of peace and joy.
Let us cherish this heritage by protecting the lands that produce it, honouring the labour that sustains it and passing down its rituals and stories to future generations.
When we sit for tea, let it be a moment not just to drink, but to remember, to listen, and to imagine fairer practices for those who made it possible. Every invitation to "cha" can be an invitation to care: for workers, the land, and the quiet dignity of shared time. In every cup lies a story: of origins and change, of community and care. May we drink with gratitude, act thoughtfully and keep this gentle tradition alive for generations to come.
Sangida Jahan Ripa
Student
Department of Accounting and Finance
North South University
sangida.ripa@northsouth.edu
