Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has unveiled plans to introduce an Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) to provide enhanced social protection for workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in the event of death or permanent disability due to workplace accidents.

A ‘Letter of Intent’ was signed on Wednesday at BEPZA’s office in Dhaka. Under the scheme, workers in the garment sector of EPZs will receive a monthly financial benefit if they suffer death or permanent disability from an accident occurring at work or during their commute.

Initially, this project will benefit workers in the garment sector, but it will be extended gradually to workers in other sectors, according to a press release.

Earlier in June 2022, a similar project, named ‘EIS-Pilot’ was initiated in the garment sector of the country and now this ‘Letter of Intent’ has been signed to extend the program to EPZs.

The project will be implemented through BEPZA with technical assistance from International Labour Organization (ILO) and GIZ, and financial support from international brands and buyer.

Praising the initiative of introducing the EIS project for EPZ workers at the signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent, BEPZA executive chairman, Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, said,’This project will strengthen the social protection of workers in EPZs, contributing to sustainable industrial growth in Bangladesh.’

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

BEPZA executive chairman said 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.

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

ILO Bangladesh country director Tuomo Poutiainen 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.’

During the event, Anne Marie La Rosa, Senior Technical Expert of the EIS Pilot Project made a power point presentation detailing of the EIS.

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

There are 451 industrial enterprises in BEPZA with 526,000 workers employed.

Till date, the total investment in the EPZs has reached to $ 6.93 billion.

Stoyanka Stich, Deputy Country Director of GIZ Bangladesh and Saad Gilani from ILO Dhaka, among others, were also present.