BEPZA, ILO launch employment injury scheme with first notices of award

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

At the 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. This entitles 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. The initiative was formally launched through a Letter of Intent signed by BEPZA, the ILO and GIZ on 26 February. An Endorsement Committee comprising representatives from BEPZA, investors, Workers' Welfare Associations, the ILO and GIZ approved the first three Notices of Award at its second meeting held today.

Speaking on the occasion, BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc, said, "Today marks a milestone in our journey toward establishing a sustainable and humane framework for workplace injury protection in Bangladesh. This Notice of Award is not just a piece of paper, it is a symbol of our commitment to stand beside our workers during their most vulnerable moments."

He added, "Your dedication and hard work are the foundation of BEPZA's success. It is our duty to ensure your social protection. That is why we launched the EIS pilot project and are revising the EPZ Labour Law to make it more worker-friendly. We are also working to establish a special fund so that if any factory shuts down suddenly, workers' dues can be settled quickly and fairly."

ILO Bangladesh Country Director (Designated) 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."

GIZ Representative Dr Michael Klode said, "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."

Since its inception, BEPZA has focused not only on attracting investment but also on ensuring workers' welfare. Currently, it operates eight EPZs and one economic zone in Mirsharai, with two more EPZs under development. As of August, BEPZA hosts 454 enterprises employing around 550,000 workers, with total investment reaching US$7.14 billion and cumulative exports standing at US$120.46 billion. Although BEPZA's zones account for only 0.001% of Bangladesh's total land area, they contributed 17.03% of the country's total exports in the last fiscal year.