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, a press release said.

The delegation was led by Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, ndc, afwc, psc, G, MPhil, 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 stated, “Industrial development is 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.”

BEPZA, the ILO and other stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to successfully implement these initiatives and further strengthen Bangladesh’s export sector as a competitive, responsible and sustainable destination in the global market.

Establishment of a Rehabilitation Centre under BEPZA with Support from SUVA

During the visit, the BEPZA delegation also met with SUVA, the Switzerland-based occupational insurance and rehabilitation institution headquartered in Sion. The meeting included fruitful discussions on the possibility of establishing a modern rehabilitation centre of international standard under BEPZA. The proposed facility is expected to play a significant role in providing advanced treatment, rehabilitation services and restoring the work capacity of workers injured in workplace accidents, thereby strengthening social protection and occupational health services within the EPZs.

Engagement with European Business Leaders and Investors During the visit, the BEPZA delegation also held several bilateral and multilateral sideline meetings with business leaders, chamber representatives and potential investors from Italy, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. The delegation highlighted Bangladesh’s investment-friendly environment, BEPZA’s efficient management system, modern infrastructure, compliance with international labour standards and the range of investment incentives offered by the Government of Bangladesh.

During the discussions, participating business leaders and investors expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Bangladesh and in expanding their existing operations in the country.