Speakers call for amendment to Bangladesh EPZ Labor Act

Speakers, at a roundtable on Tuesday, highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive review and amendment to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labor Act 2019 to safeguard the rights of workers within these zones.

They highlighted that the current provisions hinder workers from forming unions and engaging in collective bargaining, raising significant concerns about workers' rights to freedom of association and access to justice, particularly regarding terminations.

Titled “Freedom of Association and Access to Justice: Rights of EPZ Workers,” the event was organised by the Solidarity Center Bangladesh (SC-B) as part of its USAID-funded ‘Global Labor Programme.’

Md Asadul Hoq, president of the Workers Welfare Association at Queen South Tex Mills Ltd, likened EPZ workplaces to "more like a jail," stressing that restrictions prevent workers from connecting with external organizations. He questioned, "How are we expected to know our rights if we can't engage with others?" pointing out that the fear of job loss often silences workers.

Md Asadul Hoq, president of the Workers Welfare Association at Queen South Tex Mills Ltd, described EPZ workplaces as "more like a jail," emphasising that restrictions prevent workers from connecting with external organisations. "How are we expected to know our rights if we can't engage with others?" he asked, noting the constant fear of job loss that silences many.

The discussion underscored the need for robust worker organisations to empower employees and strengthen trade unions.

According to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA), around 516,000 workers are currently employed in EPZs, with women making up 66 per cent of the workforce. Exports from EPZs reached $8.5 billion in the fiscal year 2021-2022, primarily driven by the garment sector.

Golam Quibria, a programme officer at the Solidarity Center, presented the keynote paper, highlighting deficiencies in the law that fail to protect workers' rights and the lack of an effective judicial mechanism for enforcement. The session was moderated by Ms Lily Gomes, Senior Programme Officer at SC-B.

Advocate Salim Ahsan Khan noted the limitations placed on Workers Welfare Associations (WWAs), which are prohibited from collaborating with NGOs or trade unions outside EPZs. This restriction severely impedes workers’ ability to seek redress for labour rights violations.

AKM Nasim, Country Programme Director of SCB, pointed out the additional challenges EPZ workers face in accessing the judicial system, which is even more restrictive than provisions under the Bangladesh Labor Act of 2006. He called for urgent amendments to the EPZ law to enable workers to effectively exercise their rights.

The event also included contributions from leaders of various labour federations, uniting in a call to protect and enhance workers' rights within Bangladesh's EPZs.

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