3 killed, 38 injured in Sitakunda shipbreaking accidents in six months: Report

A total of three workers were killed and 38 others injured in 32 accidents in the shipbreaking yards of Sitakunda during the second half of this year, according to a half-yearly accident report presented today (18 December).

The report, prepared under the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS)–DTDA project, was unveiled at an event in Sitakunda this afternoon.

The findings cover accidents that took place between July and December and provide a detailed snapshot of workplace safety conditions in one of Bangladesh's most hazardous industrial sectors.

According to the report, 41 workers were affected in 32 separate accidents during the six-month period. Three workers lost their lives, while 18 sustained serious injuries and 21 suffered minor injuries.

An analysis of accident types shows that injuries caused by heavy iron materials were the most common, accounting for 13 incidents. Fire, explosions and burn-related accidents followed with 10 cases. Another six accidents involved machinery such as cranes, magnets and trucks, while three workers were injured after falling from heights.

The nature of injuries highlights the severity of risks faced by workers. Eleven workers suffered amputations or crushing injuries to hands or fingers. Thirteen sustained leg injuries, including fractures and burns. Ten workers received head injuries, while four were injured in multiple parts of the body.

In addition to the three fatalities, the report documents 17 seriously injured and 14 lightly injured workers in detail.

Time-based analysis shows that 75% of the accidents occurred during the daytime, with the remaining 25% taking place at night. However, two of the three deaths occurred during night shifts.

The report notes that two deceased workers, Babu and Azim Uddin, died around 2am and 3am respectively. While daytime accidents are more frequent due to heavier workloads, the report warns that weaker supervision and limited access to emergency medical care at night significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes.

Calls for stronger safety measures

The event was chaired by Tapan Dutta, convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum and a member of the Labour Reform Commission. Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Fakhrul Islam attended as the chief guest. The report and key findings were presented by Fazlul Kabir Mintu, centre coordinator of the BILS–DTDA project.

Speaking at the event, Fakhrul Islam described shipbreaking as one of the most dangerous workplaces in Bangladesh and stressed that workers in the sector have a fundamental right to safety. He said genuine commitment from yard owners is essential to improve conditions.

The upazila administration, he said, would take necessary steps within its mandate to strengthen worker safety and improve living standards after carefully listening to workers' concerns.

Speakers at the programme emphasised the need for stricter safety enforcement, effective monitoring mechanisms and, in particular, improved emergency medical and safety arrangements during night shifts.

Among others who spoke were AM Nazim Uddin, joint convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum and president of the Chattogram divisional committee of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal; Md Ali, joint secretary of BMF; Md Idris, joint secretary of BMSF; and Manik Mondal, president of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Centre.

Government officials including Upazila Youth Development Officer Tajammal Hossain and Upazila Social Services Officer Lutfunnesa Begum also addressed the programme. Journalists Soumitra Chakraborty, MA Kaiyum Chowdhury and Imam Hossain Swapan spoke on behalf of the media, while labour representatives Didarul Alam Chowdhury, Md Ali, Md Idris and Manik Mondal highlighted ground-level safety challenges faced by workers.