The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority and the International Labour Organisation have signed a letter of intent to implement a two-year plan aimed at aligning labour laws in Export Processing Zones with national legislation, ensuring equal labour rights across all industries.
Signed on Monday, the agreement seeks to harmonise EPZ regulations with the Bangladesh Labour Act and international labour standards, while also reforming internal processes within the zones to support better governance and worker protections.
鈥榃e are working on the Bangladesh Labour Act and collaborating with the BEPZA and relevant government agencies to continue advancing the reform process and ensure full alignment,鈥� ILO Bangladesh country director Tuomo Poutiainen told reporters at his office in Dhaka.
He said that this action plan would help fast-track the reforms that have been under discussion for some time.
The agreement was signed by BEPZA executive chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman and ILO country director Poutiainen.
According to a press release from the BEPZA, the Letter of Intent aimed to ensure workers鈥� rights, social protection and safe working conditions within the EPZs.
During the signing ceremony, special envoy to the chief adviser Lutfey Siddiqi praised the BEPZA as a symbol of excellence in labour and environmental standards, recognising its significant contribution to Bangladesh鈥檚 economic growth.
He also commended the collaborative spirit of the two-year action plan on labour reform, which focused on strengthening workers鈥� rights and aligning EPZ labour standards with international norms, fostering mutual respect and shared growth.
The BEPZA executive chairman said that the action plan would reinforce labour standards, workers鈥� rights and workplace safety in the EPZs.
He said that it aligned with Bangladesh鈥檚 National Action Plan and National Social Security Strategy, promoting decent work and social dialogue.
鈥楾oday, we are deepening this partnership through technical collaboration in three key areas: labour administration, responsible business conduct and Employment Injury Scheme,鈥� said ILO country director Poutiainen.
During the event, ILO technical officer Chayanich Thamparipattra and BEPZA additional executive director Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan outlined the overall interventions planned under the action plan.
The event was attended by several high-ranking BEPZA officials, along with representatives from ILO Dhaka and Geneva offices.
Currently, the BEPZA operates eight EPZs across the country, along with the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram.
The BEPZA hosts 447 industrial enterprises employing around 5,50,000 workers. Total investment in the EPZs stands at $7.13 billion, with exports reaching $117.62 billion to date since their inception.
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Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority executive chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman and International Labour Organisation country director Tuomo Poutiainen sign a letter of intent for implementing a two-year action plan on labour reform in the capital Dhaka on Monday. Press release
