The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) will introduce an employment injury scheme (EIS) to enhance social protection for EPZ workers in case of death or permanent physical disability due to workplace incidents.
A 'letter of intent' (LoI) to this end was inked at BEPZA office on Wednesday.
Through the EIS, any EPZ-based garment worker will receive a specified financial benefit per month in the case of death or permanent disability resulting from an accident that occurs in 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 to workers in other sectors in phases, according to a press release.
In June 2022, a similar project styled 'EIS-Pilot' was initiated in the garment sector. Now, this 'LoI' has been signed to extend the programme to EPZs.
The project will be implemented through BEPZA with technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the GIZ, and financial support from international brands and buyers.
Praising the initiative at the LoI-signing ceremony, BEPZA executive chairman Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman stated, "This project will strengthen the social protection of workers in EPZs, contributing to sustainable industrial growth in Bangladesh."
He emphasised that the project would enhance and expand the social protection programmes for EPZ workers in alignment with international standards.
Mr Rahman said hospitals or medical centres have been set up in various EPZs to ensure free healthcare services for 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. The 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'm hopeful for the success of this project."
During the event, Anne Marie La Rosa, senior technical expert of the EIS Pilot Project, made a PowerPoint presentation detailing of the EIS.
Currently, the BEPZA operates eight EPZs countrywide, along with the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram, while the 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.
To date, the total investment in the EPZs has reached $6.93 billion.
Stoyanka Stich, deputy country director of GIZ Bangladesh, and Saad Gilani from ILO Dhaka, among others, were also present.
munni_fe@yahoo.com
