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Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, Lutfe Siddiqui, said that the government wants a decent working environment for the workers.
"To enhance collaboration to upgrade labour standards and skills, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority has signed 'Two Year Action Plan on Labour Reform 2025-27' with the International Labour Organisation (ILO)," he said, speaking as the chief guest at the signing ceremony.
He said that the present working environment in BEPZA Economic Zones is excellent, which will be sustainable and improve the quality of labour by implementing this action plan.
The signing ceremony was held at the BEPZA Headquarters in Green Road, Dhaka, according to UNB.
Country Director of ILO Office for Bangladesh, Tuomo Poutiainen and Executive Chairman of BEPZA Major General Abul Kalam Muhammad Ziaur Rahman signed the deal documents on behalf of their respective sides.
Through this signing collaboration between BEPZA and the ILO was launched in the three areas. These are labour administration, responsible business conduct, model economic zones initiative and creation of employment opportunities, said the country director of ILO.
BEPZA executive chairman mentioned reforming labour laws in line with the ratified conventions, enhancing strategic dialogue, more effective enforcement of labour laws by inspection, improving compliance and enhancing investor confidence in EPZs, and strengthening social protection mechanisms in EPZs.
In addition, BEPZA and ILO will collaborate to enhance the skills of workers, he said.
In its long-standing collaboration with the ILO, BEPZA has already taken various initiatives to protect workers and create a better working environment in its factories.
"On 26 February 2025, BEPZA signed a 'Letter of Intent' with ILO and GIZ to provide financial benefits to workers in the ready-made garment sector in EPZs in case of accidental death and permanent physical disability at work, which is a milestone in the protection of workers," he pointed out.
Senior officials of BEPZA and ILO were present at the deal signing ceremony.