Shurokkha - Advocacy for Employment Injury Insurance

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23
Jun
2022

Bangladesh launches pilot employment injury scheme

Author: Staff Correspondent
Media Publisher: Daily Sun

The Ministry of Labour launched the pilot of an Employment Injury protection Scheme (EIS) Project on Tuesday, aiming to provide income protection to victims of work-related accidents and occupational diseases.

The International Labour organisation (ILO) has supported the project.

Lawmaker and Advisor to the Prime Minister Salman F Rahman inaugurated the launching ceremony in the presence of MoLE Secretary Md Ehsan-E- Elahi, ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen, and higher officials from the German, Norway and Netherlands Embassy, said an ILO press release on Wednesday.

Senior representatives from BGMEA, BKMEA, Workers’ Associations, development partners and other national stakeholders also participated in the programme.

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen said that the launch of ‘Employment Injury Protection’ scheme for RMG workers in Bangladesh was an important and historic step in strengthening accident protection in the country.

Such a system would promote sustainable business practices and provide right kind of signals to investors as Bangladesh is step by step upgrading its social protection systems for the benefit of all, he added.

In the event, Salman F Rahman said that social security was high on the agenda of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

BGMEA president Faruque Hassan said that the employment injury protection scheme would contribute to the social well-being of workers and employers and above all improvement of the country’s social security system.

Mentionable, workers in the ready-made garments industry play a significant role in the country’s growing GDP, it is important to consider their rights and security on priority. This facility will be expanded to other economic sectors upon success of the EIS-Pilot.

Since 2013, ILO and GIZ have been working together with the government and industry partners for ensuring workers’ social and financial security.

As a continuation of the process, after having several tripartite consultations, the Bangladesh has decided to introduce a periodic payment scheme for occupational injuries, disabilities and deaths in the RMG industry.

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23 Jun 2022