A high-level workshop was recently held at the International Training Centre (ITC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Turin, Italy, with the aim of establishing a permanent and sustainable Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) for workers employed in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) under BEPZA. Following the workshop, stakeholders adopted a Joint Statement reaffirming their collective commitment to establishing a comprehensive, self-sustaining and permanent EIS-BEPZA by 2027, says a press release.
The delegation was led by Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, Executive Chairman of BEPZA. Other participants included Md. Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Investment Promotion), BEPZA; Md. Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, Additional Executive Director (Enterprise Services and Industrial Relations), BEPZA; Miran Ali, Chairman of Remi Holdings Limited of Adamjee EPZ and Chairman of a BGMEA Sub-Committee; Hans-Herman Adlof, Chief Executive Officer of Germany-based OSPIG Group; and Coral Erum Gregorio, Director of Spain-based ERUM Group. Actuarial and technical experts from the ILO also participated in the workshop. The German development agency GIZ provided overall support for the event.
Mentionable, the EIS Pilot was launched on 26 February 2025 through a Letter of Intent signed among BEPZA, ILO and GIZ for workers in the ready-made garment sector operating in the EPZs. Financed by international brand buyers, the pilot provides financial benefits to workers and their dependents in cases of death or permanent disability resulting from workplace accidents, as well as commuting accidents. Since the distribution of benefits commenced on 14 September 2025, a total of 48 beneficiaries have received financial assistance under the scheme.
The workshop in Turin, Italy included detailed discussions on the implementation experience, administrative structure, financing mechanism, legal aspects, and long term operating methods of the ‘EIS Pilot Project’. Participants finalized a roadmap for transforming 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 accordance with international standards in cases of occupational death or permanent disability. This is a major milestone in the ‘Two-Year Action Plan on Labour Reform (2025-2027)’ signed between BEPZA and the ILO.
Speaking at the workshop, the Executive Chairman of BEPZA said, “Industrial development is meaningful only when it ensures workers’ safety, dignity and social protection. EIS-BEPZA is a significant step toward building an industrial ecosystem where productivity and human values receive equal importance.”
During the visit, the BEPZA delegation met with SUVA, a Switzerland-based occupational insurance and rehabilitation institution, and discussed establishing an international-standard rehabilitation centre under BEPZA. The proposed facility would provide advanced treatment and rehabilitation services for injured workers, strengthening social protection and occupational health services in the EPZs.
During the visit, the BEPZA delegation held bilateral and multilateral meetings with business leaders, chamber representatives and potential investors from Italy, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, showcasing Bangladesh’s investment-friendly environment, BEPZA’s modern infrastructure and management, compliance standards, and available investment incentives.
