Bepza launches helpline for EPZ workers

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) always gives the highest priority to the safety and security measures of the workers, said Law Minister Anisul Huq.

The minister made this remark during the launching ceremony of Bepza helpline – 16128 – for the export processing zones' (EPZ) workers at the Bepza Complex in the capital on Sunday.

Anisul Huq formally inaugurated the Bepza helpline as the chief guest, said a media statement.

The law minister said the government has taken multiple initiatives to ensure rights and privileges of workers. Bangladesh has achieved a tremendous success in economic growth during the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh has become an attractive destination for investment in Asia as well as the global arena due to its geo-regional location, the most inexpensive and easily trainable workforce and moderate production cost, the minister added.

Attending the event as special guest, Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, principal secretary prime minister, said Bepza is a unique organisation to uphold the rights of the workers in the country.

Praising Bepza's initiative of launching a helpline for the EPZ workers, he said, other industrial units and organisations will be inspired to take such initiatives for the welfare of workers.

Major General Md Nazrul Islam, executive chairman of Bepza, presented the detailed background and purpose of the helpline (16128).

Dedicating this helpline for Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said, this is a milestone towards digital Bangladesh and to fulfill the government's commitment in ensuring workplace safety and workers' rights.

Rensje Teerink, ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, said Bangladesh is on the right track for producing diversified products.

Expressing her satisfaction over the EPZ working environment, she said, European Union is ready to support any welfare initiatives taken for the welfare of the workers in Bangladesh.

Tuomo Poutiainen, country director of International Labour Organization (ILO), said, Bepza plays a pivotal role in ensuring workers' rights, workplace safety and social protection.

He thanked Bepza for taking initiative to launch its helpline for EPZ workers.