BEPZA – A symbol of excellence in Labour and Environmental Standards: Lutfey Siddiqi

Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, described BEPZA as a symbol of excellence in labour and environmental standards, highlighting its significant contributions to Bangladesh's economic growth. 

Speaking at the Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony between the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the implementation of a Two-Year Action Plan on Labour Reform (2025–2027), he noted that EPZs of BEPZA are known for their high standards, worker welfare, and investor confidence, making them a model for others to follow.

He emphasised that EPZ workers receive 30-40% higher wages and better welfare benefits than non-EPZ workers. He also appreciated the action plan's collaborative spirit, which focuses on strengthening workers' rights and aligning EPZ labour standards with international norms, ensuring mutual respect and shared growth.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc, and ILO Country Director Mr. Tuomo Poutiainen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. The Letter of Intent ensures workers' rights, social protection, and safe working conditions in EPZs.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc, said at the program, "The Two-Year Action Plan between BEPZA and ILO will strengthen labour standards, workers' rights, and workplace safety in EPZs. It aligns with the National Action Plan (NAP) and National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) of Bangladesh, promoting decent work and social dialogue."
He further noted that this initiative will play a crucial role in boosting the confidence of international buyers and investors, thereby enhancing the country's export and industrial capacity, supporting the development of a sustainable industrial sector and overall economic growth.

He also recalled the successful and continuous collaboration between the ILO and BEPZA in promoting decent work, social dialogue, workers' rights, and workplace safety within the zones under BEPZA.
Recalling a successful past collaboration with BEPZA, Mr. Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of ILO, said, "Today, we are deepening this partnership through technical collaboration in three key areas: labour administration, responsible business conduct, and the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS)."  

Reflecting on his visits to most EPZs, he observed that fundamental rights such as workplace safety, workers' rights, welfare, childcare, and healthcare are already well-established in EPZs. He expressed confidence that this Letter of Intent will further help structure these positive practices and align them with broader government policies.

During the event, Chayanich Thamparipattra, Technical Officer of ILO, and Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, Additional Executive Director (IR) of BEPZA, outlined the overall interventions of the action plan, while Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, delivered the welcome speech.

It is worth noting that BEPZA has already undertaken several initiatives to ensure worker protection and improve working conditions in EPZs. On 26 February 2025, BEPZA, ILO, and GIZ signed a Letter of Intent to introduce an Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) for RMG workers in EPZs, marking a significant milestone in ensuring worker safety. 

Currently, BEPZA operates eight EPZs across the country, in addition to the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Work is underway to establish two more EPZs in Patuakhali and Jashore districts. Since its inception, BEPZA has played a crucial role in Bangladesh's national economy. BEPZA hosts 447 industrial enterprises, employing approximately 550,000 workers. To date, the total investment in the EPZs has amounted to US$7.13 billion, and total exports have reached US$117.62 billion.

BEPZA conducts a range of welfare initiatives for the workers of its Zones. Hospitals or medical centres have been established in various EPZs to provide free healthcare services to workers, along with day-care centres for the care of workers' children.

Furthermore, BEPZA-run schools provide subsidised education for the children of EPZ workers. BEPZA also conducts various awareness activities related to workers' health protection. 

The event was attended by several other high-ranking officials of BEPZA, including representatives from ILO Dhaka and Geneva.