Bepza begins issuing injury compensation awards to EPZ workers

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), today inaugurated the distribution of notices of award under the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS).

The scheme is designed to provide financial benefits to workers in the garment sector of export processing zones (EPZs) in cases of death or permanent disability arising from workplace incidents, according to a press release.

At yesterday's ceremony, notices of award were presented to two families of deceased workers from the Dhaka and Chattogram EPZs, as well as to one worker from Cumilla EPZ who has been permanently disabled. These entitlements will ensure monthly financial assistance akin to a pension, thereby guaranteeing sustained support for affected families.

Funded by a consortium of international brands, the EIS project is being implemented with technical assistance from the ILO and the German development agency GIZ.

The initiative was launched with a Letter of Intent signed by Bepza, the ILO, and GIZ on February 26 this year.

Subsequently, an endorsement committee was constituted, comprising representatives from Bepza, investors, Workers' Welfare Associations (WWAs), the ILO, and GIZ.

At its second meeting, held yesterday, the committee formally approved the first three notices of award for the beneficiaries.