Dhaka: Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) today signed an agreement with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on a two-year action plan aimed at harmonising legislation and amending certain internal processes within the EPZs. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, and ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen at the BEPZA complex in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the action plan focuses on reforming the EPZ Labour law to align with international labour standards, promoting Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) to facilitate ethical business practices, and implementing the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS). Additionally, it aims to enhance the capacity of BEPZA officials for more effective labour administration and inspection. BEPZA and ILO will also collaborate on improving worker skills.
Ziaur Rahman emphasized the initiative’s role in improving labour standards in Bangladesh by ensuring basic rights and social security for workers. He stated that it would create a safe working environment and boost confidence among international buyers and investors, thereby strengthening the country’s export and industrial capacity. He added that this initiative would support the development of a sustainable industrial sector and contribute to the economic growth of Bangladesh.
The BEPZA Executive Chairman highlighted the authority’s significant growth over the years and its commitment to ensuring workers’ rights and safety. He noted that EPZ workers receive more benefits than their non-EPZ counterparts, including medical treatment, subsidized education, and daycare facilities. Regular skill development training and awareness programs are also conducted, and compliance with social and environmental standards is strictly monitored.
Rahman underscored the importance of meeting international standards as Bangladesh approaches graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category. He expressed BEPZA’s intention to work with stakeholders to implement the action plan effectively.
Tuomo Poutiainen of the ILO stated that the action plan aims to fast-track labour reforms and maintain alignment with the Bangladesh Labour Act. He highlighted the need for Bangladesh to invest in higher-skilled migration practices to address issues related to low-skilled labour migration. Poutiainen called for transparent and affordable recruitment processes and emphasized the importance of bilateral agreements with destination countries to ensure positive migration experiences.
Poutiainen also acknowledged progress in Bangladesh’s garment sector and stressed the need to expand safety programs to other sectors.