BEPZA begins providing Notice of Award for employment injury compensation to EPZ workers under the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS)
The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), today (14 September 2025) officially launched the distribution of Notices of Award under the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS). The scheme aims to provide financial benefits to workers in the garment sector of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in cases of death or permanent physical disability caused by workplace incidents.
At today’s ceremony, two families of deceased workers from Dhaka and Chattogram EPZs, along with one permanently disabled worker from Cumilla EPZ, received their Notices of Award. This will entitle them to monthly financial assistance similar to a pension, ensuring sustained support for affected families.
Funded by several international brands, the EIS project is being implemented with technical assistance from the ILO and the German development agency GIZ. The initiative was formally launched through a Letter of Intent signed by BEPZA, the ILO, and GIZ on 26 February 2025. An Endorsement Committee—comprising representatives from BEPZA, investors, Workers’ Welfare Associations (WWAs), the ILO, and GIZ—approved the first three Notices of Award at its second meeting held today.
Speaking on the occasion, BEPZA Executive Chairman, Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc, said, “Today marks a pivotal milestone in our journey toward establishing a sustainable, humane, and internationally aligned framework for workplace injury protection in Bangladesh. This Notice of Award is not just a piece of paper—it is a solemn symbol of our unwavering commitment to stand beside our workers during their most vulnerable moments.”
He further addressed EPZ workers, stating, “Your dedication, integrity, and hard work are the foundation of BEPZA’s success. It is our duty to ensure your social protection. That is why we launched the EIS pilot project and are revising the EPZ Labour Law to make it more worker-friendly. Importantly, we are also working to establish a special fund so that if any factory shuts down suddenly, workers’ dues can be settled quickly and fairly.” It is a tangible promise that BEPZA will always uphold the dignity and rights of those who form the backbone of our success, he added.
Mr. Max Tunon, Country Director (Designated) of ILO Bangladesh, said, “While no financial support can replace a life, timely compensation provides families with the stability they need to rebuild. The ILO remains fully committed to working with BEPZA and partners to expand and strengthen this scheme so more workers in Bangladesh may benefit.
Dr. Michael Klode, Representative of GIZ, remarked, “This scheme reflects a shared responsibility for protecting workers and employers alike. GIZ is proud to support this important step towards a safer and more resilient labour system in Bangladesh.”
Md. Munir Hossain Khan, Director General, Central Fund & Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation, noted, “This initiative demonstrates how government, employers, workers, and international partners can unite to build a safer and more inclusive labour market.”
Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA delivered welcome speech at the ceremony.
Since its inception, BEPZA has not only been working to attract investment but also to ensure workers’ social protection. Currently, BEPZA operates eight EPZs across the country, along with the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Two new EPZs in Patuakhali and Jashore are under development. As of August 2025, BEPZA hosts 454 enterprises employing around 550,000 workers, with total investment reaching US$ 7.14 billion and cumulative exports standing at US$ 120.46 billion. Remarkably, although BEPZA’s nine zones account for only 0.001% of Bangladesh’s total land area, they contributed 17.03% of the country’s total exports in the last fiscal year.
Beyond investment facilitation, BEPZA has consistently prioritized worker welfare. Its initiatives include free healthcare and medicines, nutritional support for pregnant workers, daycare centers, women’s dormitories, subsidized education through BEPZA Public Schools and Colleges, group insurance, and a 24/7 helpline. The implementation of the EIS project will further strengthen these measures and help establish a more robust, internationally recognized framework for social protection.
