BEPZA, ILO sign agreement to boost labour standards in EPZs

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) signed a letter of intent with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to implement a two-year action plan on labour reform (2025–2027).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy to the chief adviser, described BEPZA as a symbol of excellence in labour and environmental standards, highlighting its significant contributions to Bangladesh's economic growth. He highlighted that BEPZA’s export processing zones are recognised for their high standards, strong worker welfare, and investor confidence—serving as a model for others to follow.

He emphasised that EPZ workers receive 30-40 per cent higher wages and better welfare benefits compared to non-EPZ workers. He also appreciated the collaborative spirit of the action plan, which focuses on strengthening workers' rights and aligning EPZ labour standards with international norms, ensuring mutual respect and shared growth.

BEPZA executive chairman major general Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman and ILO country director Tuomo Poutiainen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. The letter of intent aims to ensure workers' rights, social protection, and safe working conditions in EPZs.

“The two-year action plan between BEPZA and ILO will strengthen labour standards, workers' rights, and workplace safety in EPZs. It aligns with the National Action Plan (NAP) and National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) of Bangladesh, promoting decent work and social dialogue,” said Ziaur Rahman.

He further noted that this initiative will play a crucial role in boosting the confidence of international buyers and investors, thereby enhancing the country's export and industrial capacity, which will support the development of a sustainable industrial sector and overall economic growth. He also recalled the successful and continuous collaboration between ILO and BEPZA in promoting decent work, social dialogue, workers' rights, and workplace safety within the zones under BEPZA.

“Today, we are deepening this partnership through technical collaboration in three key areas: labour administration, responsible business conduct, and the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS),” recalling successful past collaboration with BEPZA, Poutiainen said.

Reflecting on his visits to most of the EPZs, he observed that fundamental rights such as workplace safety, workers' rights, welfare, childcare, and healthcare are already well-established in EPZs. He expressed confidence that this letter of intent will help structure these positive practices further and align them with broader government policies.

Currently, BEPZA operates eight EPZs across the country, along with the BEPZA economic zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Additionally, work is underway to establish two more EPZs in Patuakhali and Jashore district. Since its inception, BEPZA has played a crucial role in the national economy of Bangladesh. BEPZA hosts 447 industrial enterprises, with around 550 thousand workers employed. To date, the total investment in the EPZs has amounted to $7.13 billion, and total exports have reached $117.62 billion.

BEPZA conducts a range of welfare initiatives for the workers of its zones. Hospitals or medical centers have been set up in various EPZs to ensure free healthcare services for the workers, along with day-care centres for the care of workers' children. Furthermore, BEPZA-run schools provide subsidized education for the children of EPZ workers. BEPZA also conducts various awareness activities related to health protection for workers.

The event was attended by several other high-ranking officials of BEPZA, including representatives from ILO Dhaka and Geneva.