Inter-ministerial meet discusses shipbreaking worker safety, lease issues
The discussions focused on ensuring safe working conditions for workers, strengthening occupational health services, preventing workplace accidents, maintaining environmental standards, and promoting the sustainable development of the industry
An inter-ministerial meeting on Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry yesterday (6 June) discussed improving workers' living standards, strengthening occupational health and safety, ensuring environmental protection, and addressing lease-related issues in the sector.
The meeting was chaired by ASM Saleh Ahmed, senior secretary of the Ministry of Land, and brought together senior government officials, regulators and industry representatives, according to a press release.
Among those present were Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Md Ziauddin, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, and Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) Administrator Abu Safayat Muhammad Shahedul Islam.
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Senior officials from the Department of Environment, Department of Labour, and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) also attended.
Representatives from major shipbreaking companies, including Liaquat Ali Chowdhury, managing director of Asadi Group; Mohammad Taslim Uddin, managing director of KR Group; and Md Zahirul Islam, managing director of PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries Ltd, took part in the discussion alongside other yard owners and industry stakeholders.
The discussions focused on ensuring safe working conditions for workers, strengthening occupational health services, preventing workplace accidents, maintaining environmental standards, and promoting the sustainable development of the industry.
During the meeting, the deputy inspector general of DIFE's Chattogram office said regular inspections, monitoring, and legal actions were being carried out in accordance with the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 (amended) and Bangladesh Labour Rules 2015 to ensure occupational health and safety compliance in the shipbreaking yards.
BSBRA Administrator Abu Safayat Muhammad Shahedul Islam highlighted the overall state of the industry, its contribution to the national economy, employment generation, and environmentally sound ship recycling practices, adds the release.
He also outlined the key challenges and future prospects of the sector, stressing the need for sustainable growth.
At the meeting, shipbreaking yard owners requested the authorities to extend the tenure of their leases, citing the need to ensure business continuity, safeguard investments, and maintain production activities.
In response, the chair assured the participants that the matter would be considered in line with existing laws, regulations, and policy frameworks.
Speakers at the meeting emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts by government agencies and private stakeholders to improve worker welfare, protect the environment, ensure legal compliance, and support the sustainable development of the shipbreaking industry.
In his concluding remarks, the senior secretary called on all concerned parties to work responsibly and in coordination to address the sector's challenges and sustain its growth.
