Geographical location, inexpensive and easily trainable workforce and moderate production cost have helped Bangladesh become an attractive investment destination, Law Minister Anisul Huq said Sunday.

“The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) always attaches the highest priority to the safety and security of the workers. It’s reflected through workers-owners-management synergy prevailing in the EPZs,” the minister said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the launch of BEPZA Helpline for EPZ workers at BEPZA Complex in the capital. 

Huq said the government has taken different initiatives to ensure rights and privileges of the workers, adding that the country has achieved tremendous economic growth during the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Kaikaus said BEPZA is a unique organisation to uphold the rights of the workers.

He lauded BEPZA for launching the helpline and said other industrial units and organisations will be inspired to take such initiatives for the welfare of the workers.

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Mentioning the scenario of Savar and Ashulia area before and after setting up EPZ, Kaikaus said Dhaka EPZ transformed this area into an industrial belt.

Executive Chairman of BEPZA Major General Md Nazrul Islam described the background and purpose of the helpline (16128) in his speech.

Dedicating this helpline to Bangabandhu’s birth centenary, he said this is a milestone towards digital Bangladesh and to fulfill the commitment of the government to ensure workplace safety and workers’ rights.

“It’ll help us in addressing grievances and effectively improve the working conditions,” he added.

Ambassador and Head of delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Rensje Teerink said BEPZA as well as Bangladesh is on the right track for producing diversified products.

She expressed satisfaction at EPZ working environment and added that EU is ready to support any initiative taken for the welfare of the workers.

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Country Director of International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen said BEPZA plays a pivotal role in ensuring workers’ rights, workplace safety and social protection.

He thanked BEPZA for taking initiative to start the helpline for EPZ workers.

Among others, Secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of Law Ministry KM Abdus Salam, Labour Secretary Paban Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BEZA, and senior officials of different ministries and organisations were present at the programme.

Former BEPZA members, secretary and general managers were also present in the program and all zonal GMs along with workers representatives, Counselor-cum inspectors and investors joined the event virtually.

Until last month, an estimated 423,000 Bangladeshis were employed at different enterprises of EPZs under BEPZA.