Safety risks persist in shipbreaking sector despite global compliance push: Labour leaders

Labour leaders have raised fresh concerns over persistent safety risks in Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry, saying conditions on the ground remain largely unchanged despite international commitments.

The issue was highlighted at a meeting of the Shipbreaking Workers' Safety Committee held in Chattogram today (4 May), according to a press release.

The meeting, held at the BILS-LRSC conference hall, was chaired by Nurul Absar, joint convener of the committee and moderated by Fazlul Kabir Mintu, coordinator of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) Chattogram centre.

Speaking as chief guest, AM Nazim Uddin, joint convener of the Shipbreaking Workers' Trade Union Forum, said workers continue to face serious risks despite the sector's significant contribution to the national economy.

"Lack of adequate safety measures, proper training and environmental compliance means accidents, occupational diseases and pollution remain major concerns," he said.

Bangladesh acceded to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships on 26 June 2023, with mandatory implementation beginning from 26 June 2025. 

However, Nazim Uddin said expected improvements in workplace safety and environmental management have yet to materialise.

Other speakers echoed similar concerns, noting that workers routinely operate in hazardous conditions, facing risks from workplace accidents, fires and exposure to toxic gases.

They stressed that ensuring occupational safety is a fundamental right, calling for immediate and effective measures to protect workers.

Data presented at the meeting showed that at least three workers died in workplace accidents in the shipbreaking sector during the first four months of 2026, underscoring what participants described as an alarming trend.