Nearly 500 workers from two tea gardens in Sylhet received free blood group testing on Friday, organized by Ethnic Community Development (EKoDo) in collaboration with the Sylhet Red Crescent and the tea workers’ organization Cha Shromik Nari Mancha.

The free blood grouping camps were held at Daladli and Kewachra tea gardens from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Both men, women, and children of various ages participated in the initiative.

Speaking at the Kewachra camp, 45-year-old worker Sucharita Das said, As tea workers, we focus on plucking leaves and household chores. Despite being married with children, I never knew my blood group. Today, I learned I am B positive. Now, if I ever need a blood transfusion, it can be arranged quickly.

Anita Das, 30, from Daladli tea garden said, "We never had the opportunity to know our blood groups before. Today, I finally learned that mine is O positive. It feels really good to know this after so many years."

Kewachra worker Swapna Das added, Sometimes women need blood during childbirth, but we don’t know our blood group. It causes delays and difficulties in emergencies. Today, thanks to EKoDo, I learned for the first time that I am B positive. We are grateful for this valuable initiative.

EKoDo’s Executive Director Lakkhmi Kantha Singh said, We regularly work to improve the lives of tea workers and raise awareness about their rights. The idea for the free blood grouping camp came after learning that a female worker faced delays during childbirth because her blood group was unknown.

He further said, Nearly 7,000 female tea workers in Sylhet’s gardens do not know their blood groups, leaving them vulnerable in emergencies. This initiative ensures they can access the necessary blood without delay. The campaign was successfully conducted under EKoDo’s supervision, organized by Cha Shromik Nari Mancha with Red Crescent support.