International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tunon has commended the workers' welfare facilities and labour management practices at the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (Dhaka EPZ). Tunon expressed optimism about the strengthening partnership between the ILO and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA). His remarks came after a visit to Dhaka EPZ, where he reviewed various labour welfare initiatives and compliance mechanisms implemented by BEPZA.
Review of Labour Initiatives
During the visit, Tunon was accompanied by ILO Social Protection Project Programme Manager Saad Gilani and Senior Programme Manager Tanjilut Tasnuba. The delegation was received by BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain. Officials briefed them on the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019, the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Rules, 2022, occupational safety and health measures, workers' rights, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and welfare programmes.
Engagement with Worker Representatives
The ILO delegation held discussions with representatives of Workers' Welfare Associations (WWAs), focusing on workers' rights, workplace conditions, grievance handling, social dialogue and the role of WWAs in maintaining harmonious industrial relations. Worker representatives shared their positive experiences regarding the worker-friendly environment, welfare facilities and participatory industrial relations in EPZ enterprises.
Visit to Enterprises
To mark the visit, Tunon and representatives of the Workers' Welfare Associations planted an olive sapling at the Dhaka EPZ Zone Office premises. The delegation also visited YKK Bangladesh PTE. LTD. and Shanta Industries Limited, where they toured production facilities, inspected daycare centres and interacted with management, workers and worker representatives to observe workplace practices, welfare initiatives and compliance standards.
