BEPZA and ILO commit to a permanent injury scheme for EPZ workers

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority and the International Labour Organisation have renewed their pledge to launch a permanent Employment Injury Scheme for workers in export processing zones by 2027, striving to set a new milestone in workplace safety and social protection.

The commitment was made at a high-level workshop held recently at the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation in Turin, Italy.

Following the workshop, stakeholders adopted a joint statement reasserting their devotion to establishing a comprehensive, self-sustaining and permanent Employment Injury Scheme under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority.

The delegation was led by Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority.

Other participants included Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director for Investment Promotion of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority; Md Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, Additional Executive Director for Enterprise Services and Industrial Relations of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority; Miran Ali, Chairman of Remi Holdings Limited of Adamjee Export Processing Zone and Chairman of a Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association sub-committee; Hans-Herman Adlof, Chief Executive Officer of the Germany-based OSPIG Group; and Coral Erum Gregorio, Director of the Spain-based ERUM Group.

Actuarial and technical experts from the International Labour Organisation also participated in the workshop. German development agency GIZ provided overall support for the event.

The Employment Injury Scheme pilot was launched on 26 February 2025 through a Letter of Intent signed among the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, the International Labour Organisation, and GIZ for workers in the readymade garment sector operating in export processing zones.

Financed by international brand buyers, the pilot provides financial benefits to workers and their dependents in cases of death or permanent disability resulting from workplace accidents, as well as commuting accidents.

Since the distribution of benefits began on 14 September 2025, 48 beneficiaries have received financial assistance under the scheme.

The workshop discussed implementation experience, administrative structure, financing mechanisms, legal aspects and long-term operating methods of the Employment Injury Scheme pilot.

Participants finalised a roadmap for transforming the scheme into a permanent social protection mechanism.

Under the proposed scheme, workers in export processing zones will be covered from their first day of employment and will receive compensation quickly and clearly, in line with international standards, for occupational death or permanent disability.

The initiative constitutes a major milestone under the "Two-Year Action Plan on Labour Reform 2025–27," which was signed by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority and the International Labour Organisation.

Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, said: "Industrial development is meaningful only when accompanied by workers' safety, dignity, and social protection. The Employment Injury Scheme is a key step to achieving that objective. We are committed to building an industrial ecosystem in which productivity and human values are equally prioritised."

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, the International Labour Organisation, and other stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on these projects, aiming to position Bangladesh's export sector as a competitive, responsible, and sustainable destination in the global market.

During the visit, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority delegation also met the Switzerland-based occupational insurance and rehabilitation institution SUVA, headquartered in Sion.

The meeting included discussions on the possibility of establishing a modern international-standard rehabilitation centre under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority.

The proposed facility is expected to provide advanced treatment, rehabilitation services, and support to restore the work capacity of workers injured in workplace accidents, and to strengthen social protection and occupational health services within export processing zones.

The delegation also held bilateral and multilateral sideline meetings with business leaders, chamber representatives and potential investors from Italy, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.

During the meetings, the delegation highlighted Bangladesh's investment-friendly environment, BEPZA's management system, state-of-the-art infrastructure, compliance with international labour standards and investment incentives offered by the Government of Bangladesh.

Participating business leaders and investors expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Bangladesh and expanding their existing operations in the country.