The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has begun distributing notices of award under the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS).
The scheme aims to provide financial benefits to garment sector workers in export processing zones (EPZs) in the event of death or permanent disability caused by workplace incidents, according to a press release.
At a ceremony, the first notices of award were handed to the families of two deceased workers from the Dhaka and Chattogram EPZs, as well as to one permanently disabled worker from the Cumilla EPZ. The entitlements will ensure monthly financial assistance, similar to a pension, offering long-term support for the affected families.
Funded by a group of international brands, the project is being implemented with technical support from the ILO and the German development agency GIZ.
The initiative was launched earlier this year, following the signing of a Letter of Intent between Bepza, the ILO, and GIZ on 26th February. An endorsement committee was subsequently formed, consisting of representatives from Bepza, investors, Workers’ Welfare Associations (WWAs), the ILO, and GIZ.
At its second meeting, held on Thursday, the committee formally approved the first three notices of award for the beneficiaries.
