Stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a comprehensive, self-sustaining and permanent Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) for workers employed in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) by 2027.
The commitment was made through a joint statement adopted at a high-level workshop held recently at the International Training Centre (ITC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Turin, Italy.
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The workshop focused on developing a permanent and sustainable Employment Injury Scheme (EIS-BEPZA) for EPZ workers.
The Bangladeshi delegation was led by BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain.
Actuarial and technical experts from the ILO also took part in the workshop, while the German development agency GIZ provided overall support.
The EIS pilot was launched on February 26, 2025 through a Letter of Intent signed by BEPZA, the ILO and GIZ for workers in the ready-made garment sector operating in the EPZs.
Financed by international brand buyers, the pilot scheme provides financial benefits to workers and their dependants in cases of death or permanent disability resulting from workplace and commuting accidents.
Since the distribution of benefits began on September 14, 2025, a total of 48 beneficiaries have received financial assistance under the scheme.
The Turin workshop featured extensive discussions on the implementation experience, administrative structure, financing mechanism, legal framework and long-term operational modalities of the EIS Pilot Project.
Participants finalised a roadmap to transform EIS-BEPZA into a permanent social protection mechanism.
Under the proposed scheme, EPZ workers will be covered from their first day of employment and will receive compensation promptly and transparently, in line with international standards, in cases of occupational death or permanent disability.
Officials described the initiative as a major milestone under the “Two-Year Action Plan on Labour Reform (2025-2027)” signed between BEPZA and the ILO.
Speaking at the workshop, BEPZA Executive Chairman Moazzem Hossain said industrial development becomes truly meaningful only when it is accompanied by workers’ safety, dignity and social protection.
“EIS-BEPZA is an important step towards achieving that objective. We aspire to build an industrial ecosystem where productivity and human values receive equal emphasis,” he said.
BEPZA, the ILO and other stakeholders reiterated their commitment to jointly implementing the initiative and strengthening Bangladesh’s export sector as a competitive, responsible and sustainable destination in the global market.
Rehabilitation Centre Proposal Discussed
During the visit, the BEPZA delegation also met representatives of Switzerland-based occupational insurance and rehabilitation institution SUVA at its headquarters in Sion.
The meeting explored the possibility of establishing a modern international-standard rehabilitation centre under BEPZA.
According to officials, the proposed facility would provide advanced treatment and rehabilitation services to workers injured in workplace accidents and help restore their capacity to work, thereby enhancing social protection and occupational health services within the EPZs.
European Investors Show Interest
The delegation also held several bilateral and multilateral meetings with business leaders, chamber representatives and potential investors from Italy, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.
During the discussions, BEPZA highlighted Bangladesh’s investment-friendly environment, efficient management system, modern infrastructure, compliance with international labour standards and the investment incentives offered by the government.
Business leaders and investors participating in the meetings expressed interest in exploring new investment opportunities in Bangladesh and expanding their existing operations in the country, officials said.