Worker critically injured at Ctg shipbreaking yard; unions demand accountability, stronger safety measures
A workplace accident at the Jiri Subedar Shipbreaking Yard in Chattogram's Sitakunda has left a worker critically injured, drawing sharp criticism and concern from shipbreaking workers' unions and safety committees.
The injured worker, Nazmul Haque Palash, who was employed in the fitter group at the yard, sustained severe head injuries while working around 10am yesterday (27 July). He is currently undergoing treatment in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
Mohamd Nayeem, director of Jiri Subedar Shipbreaking Yard, confirmed the incident.
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He, however, claimed that the head injury sustained by worker was minor.
"The injured is out of danger and taking rest in the hospital," the director claimed.
In response, the Shipbreaking Workers' Trade Union Forum and the Shipbreaking Workers' Safety Committee issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the incident.
The union leaders called for immediate and systemic action to improve safety in the yards.
They urged that every phase of shipbreaking must be regularly monitored to eliminate safety gaps, that each accident must be thoroughly investigated to prevent recurrence, and that those responsible—whether individuals or authorities—must be brought under legal accountability.
They also stressed the need to ensure the injured worker receives proper medical care, wages during his recovery, and adequate compensation.
