Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, described BEPZA as a symbol of excellence in labor and environmental standards, highlighting its significant contributions to Bangladesh`s economic growth.
Speaking at the Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony between the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the implementation of a Two-Year Action Plan on Labour Reform (2025–2027), he noted that EPZs of BEPZA are known for their high standards, worker welfare, and investor confidence, making them a model for others to follow.
He emphasized that EPZ workers receive 30-40% 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 labor standards with international norms, ensuring mutual respect and shared growth.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc, and ILO Country Director Mr. Tuomo Poutiainen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The Letter of Intent aims to ensure workers` rights, social protection, and safe working conditions in EPZs.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc, said at the program, “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.”
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.
ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen stated, “Today, we strengthen our partnership with BEPZA through technical collaboration in three vital areas: labour administration, responsible business conduct, and the employment injury scheme—building a future with reformed labour laws, strengthened social dialogue and labour inspection systems, social protection as well as inclusive economic progress.”
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.
During the event, Chayanich Thamparipattra, Technical Officer of ILO, and Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, Addition Executive Director (IR) of BEPZA, outlined the overall interventions of the action plan, while Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA Md. Ashraful Kabir delivered the welcome speech.
It is worth mentioning that BEPZA has already undertaken several initiatives to ensure worker protection and create better working conditions in EPZs. On 26 February 2025, BEPZA, ILO, and GIZ signed a `Letter of Intent` to introduce an Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) for RMG workers of EPZs, which marked a significant milestone in ensuring worker safety.
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 US$ 7.13 billion, and total exports have reached to US$ 117.62 billion.
BEPZA conducts a range of welfare initiatives for the workers of it Zones. Hospitals or medical centers have been set up in various EPZs to ensure free healthcare services for the workers, along with day-care centers 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.
- Press Release
