The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) is set to introduce a project on "Employment Injury Scheme (EIS)" in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The scheme is to provide financial benefits to workers in the garment sector of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in case of death or permanent physical disabilities due to workplace incidents.

A 'Letter of Intent' was signed on Wednesday at the BEPZA Executive Office, among BEPZA, ILO, and GIZ.

Under the EIS project, workers in the garment sector of EPZs will receive a specified financial benefit every month in the case of death or permanent disability resulting from an accident that occurs at the workplace or while commuting to and from the workplace. Initially, this project will benefit workers in the garment sector, but it will be extended gradually to workers in other sectors.

Besides, a similar project, named "EIS-Pilot," was initiated in the garment sector of the country in June 2022.

The project will be implemented through BEPZA with technical assistance from ILO and GIZ, and financial support from international brand buyers.

During the signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent, BEPZA's Executive Chairman, Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, praised the initiative of introducing the EIS project for EPZ workers.

 “This project will strengthen the social protection of workers in EPZs, contributing to sustainable industrial growth in Bangladesh,” he said.

He further emphasised that the project would enhance and expand the social protection programs for EPZ workers in alignment with international standards.

The BEPZA Executive Chairman also mentioned that hospitals or medical centers have been set up in various EPZs to ensure free healthcare services for the workers, along with day-care centers for the care of workers' children.

Meanwhile, BEPZA-run schools provide subsidised education for the children of EPZ workers.

BEPZA also conducts various awareness activities related to health protection for workers. The Chairman thanked ILO, GIZ, and international brand buyers for their cooperation in implementing this project in EPZs.

Expressing satisfaction, Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of ILO, said, "This is a very good step for worker welfare. I thank BEPZA's investors because they will be the ones to implement it. I am hopeful for the success of this project."

Dr. Anne Marie La Rosa, Senior Technical Expert of the EIS Pilot Project, presented the overall details of the EIS through a PowerPoint presentation.

Currently, BEPZA operates eight EPZs across the country, along with the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Additionally, the development of two more EPZs in Patuakhali and Jashore districts has been started.

Since its inception, BEPZA has played a crucial role in the national economy of Bangladesh.

BEPZA hosts 451 industrial enterprises, with 526,000 workers employed. To date, the total investment in the EPZs has amounted to US$ 6.93 billion and total exports have reached US $ 115.61 billion, according to a press release.