DHAKA, Sept 14, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), today officially launched the distribution of ‘Notices of Award’ under the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS).

At the launching ceremony, two families of deceased workers from Dhaka and Chattogram EPZs, along with one permanently disabled worker from Cumilla EPZ, received their Notices of Award at a function at the BEPZA complex in the city.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman attended the launching ceremony as the chief guest while Additional Secretary of the Labour and Employment Ministry Md Munir Hossain Khan, ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon and Acting Cluster Coordinator of the SEDTEC Cluster, GIZ Michael Klode also spoke on the occasion. 

BEPZA (Investment Promotion) Md Ashraful Kabir delivered the welcome speech. 

In his speech, Ziaur Rahman said the EIS Pilot, launched on February 26, 2025, is the result of a strategic partnership between BEPZA, the ILO, GIZ, and BEPZA’s international brands and buyers. 

“It is designed to offer reliable social protection to workers in the garment industry, where over 380,000 individuals are currently employed within BEPZA’s zones. As the RMG sector represents 52 percent of EPZ industries, we are committed to expanding this scheme to cover rest 48 percent industries with diverse products. Our long term vision is clear: No worker shall be left behind in the pursuit of inclusive Social Protection,” he added.

Mentioning that it is a profound honour to formally present the Notice of Award to selected beneficiaries and their families, the BEPZA chief said this is not just a document - it is a solemn symbol of the BEPZA’s unwavering commitment to stand beside workers during their most vulnerable moments. 

“It is a tangible promise that BEPZA will always uphold the dignity and rights of those who form the backbone of our success,” he noted.

He stated that BEPZA must continue to foster an enabling environment for responsible investment, strengthen compliance with international labor and environmental standards, and ensure that industrial growth translates into sustainable development for all.

“We deeply value our warm and sincere cooperation with the ILO and our trade partners - especially our brands and buyers - and look forward to continuing this collaboration in the future,” he added.

Ziaur Rahman, however, said that workers in EPZs enjoy enhanced protections and benefits under dedicated EPZ laws and regulations. 

In fact, he added, EPZ workers receive 30–40 percent higher wages compared to their counterparts outside the zones. 

“Additional benefits include provident funds, group insurance, free medical services, nutritional support for pregnant workers, daycare centers, dormitories for female workers, a 24/7 helpline, and training opportunities both domestically and abroad. EPZ workers have the right to form associations and elect collective bargaining agents,” he mentioned. 

Stating that BEPZA workers benefit from robust mechanisms for dispute resolution, including free counseling, conciliation, arbitration, and access to Labour Courts and Appellate Tribunals, he said that all compliance matters - ranging from labour rights to fire and building safety – are rigorously monitored by BEPZA Industrial Relations Officers, Inspectors, and relevant authorities, with utmost priority given to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.

“In recent years, we have made remarkable strides in legal and policy reforms, particularly in enhancing the rights of worker associations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, fair wages, skill development, and overall labour welfare,” he added.

Max Tunon said, “While no financial support can replace a life, timely compensation provides families with the stability they need to rebuild. The ILO remains fully committed to working with BEPZA and partners to expand and strengthen this scheme so more workers in Bangladesh may benefit.”

Dr Michael Klode remarked, “This scheme reflects a shared responsibility for protecting workers and employers alike. GIZ is proud to support this important step towards a safer and more resilient labour system in Bangladesh.”

Md. Munir Hossain Khan noted, “This initiative demonstrates how government, employers, workers, and international partners can unite to build a safer and more inclusive labour market.”

Md. Ashraful Kabir, member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA delivered welcome speech at the ceremony.

BEPZA introduced the EIS project in collaboration with the ILO on February 26, 2025. For this, a 'Letter of Intent' was signed that day at the BEPZA Executive Office, among BEPZA, ILO, and GIZ.

The scheme aims to provide financial benefits to workers in the garment sector of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in cases of death or permanent physical disability caused by workplace incidents.

This will entitle them to monthly financial assistance similar to a pension, ensuring sustained support for affected families.

Funded by several international brands, the EIS project is being implemented with technical assistance from the ILO and the German development agency GIZ.

Initially, this project has started to provide benefit to workers in the garment sector, but it will be extended gradually to workers in other sectors.