Bangladesh’s Employment Injury Scheme: Silent guardian for garment workers and their families

DHAKA (ILO News) - Nuzrul, a young worker in the Bangladesh garment industry, had always dreamed of getting married, settling down and building a home in his village. 

“He was preparing to get married, build a house and settle down,” says his mother, Juleka. “The day I was supposed to meet his bride, he died. His dream of getting married never came true.” 

Nuzrul was involved in a tragic workplace accident that left him with severe burns, claiming his life six days later. 

“They said his body was 50 per cent burnt. He realized he would not make it. He called me and cried and cried saying forgive me and pray for me,” his mother recounts her voice and demeanour weighed heavily down by sadness.

Juleka, in her bedroom, looks through photos of her deceased son, Nuzrul

Without Nuzrul, she came face to face with the harsh reality of the uncertainty of her future. Juleka had raised her three sons and two daughters single handedly for 18 years after her husband left. Except for Baharul, the youngest, all her children are married with their own families.

A one-time compensation payment from the government’s Central Fund offered brief relief but fell short of addressing her long-term daily needs.

Juleka's prayers for consistent, predictable financial support were answered unexpected through the Bangladesh’s Employment Injury Scheme (EIS), which is being piloted in the ready-made garment sector. The EIS protects workers and their families from sinking into poverty after disability, or death as a result of workplace accidents. 

The scheme, implemented with technical support from the ILO and GIZ, and funding from the Governments of Canada, Germany and the Netherlands as well as from international fashion brands and buyers, provides beneficiaries with monthly pension payments.

“I never thought of making my living out of my son’s death. Now I am getting this monthly pension. Even without support from my other sons, I will be able to survive now. This is my strength,” she says.