BSBRA aids over 2,000 unemployed ship recycling workers with essential food supplies

In an effort to support workers hit hard by the ongoing crisis in the ship recycling industry, the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) organized a food distribution programme today (25 February), at Sitakunda in Chattogram.

More than 2,000 unemployed workers received essential food supplies, with each beneficiary provided with 30 kilograms of rice, lentils, chickpeas, cooking oil, and onions—enough to meet a month's needs.

The ship recycling sector in Sitakunda has been under severe strain due to a combination of international issues, including the dollar crisis, which has led to a sharp decline in ship imports. In addition, prolonged delays in obtaining permits for ship cutting have forced many ship recycling yards to cease operations, leaving thousands of skilled workers without employment.

The food distribution event was attended by several BSBRA leaders, including acting President Zahirul Islam Rinku, Member of Advisor Council Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Senior Vice President Liakat Ali Chowdhury, Vice President Mohd Karim Uddin, and other executive committee members.

Local labor representatives, A M Nazim Nazim Uddin, president of the Bangladesh Sramik Dal, Chattogram unit, and Mohammad Ali Shahin, coordinator of YPSA, along with owners of various ship recycling yards, trade union representatives, and volunteers were preaent at the event.

Speaking at the event, acting President Zahirul Islam Rinku said, "The workers in our ship recycling industry are enduring extremely difficult times. The delays in ship imports, cutting, and the issuance of ship cutting permissions have plunged our industry into crisis, leaving thousands jobless."

Senior Vice President Liakat Ali Chowdhury further explained, "Over the past one and a half years, international challenges and the dollar crisis have significantly reduced ship imports. Combined with the delays and complexities in obtaining cutting permits, these issues have resulted in the loss of livelihoods for many workers. This initiative is our response to help sustain these workers until the industry can recover."

BSBRA's leaders expressed their commitment to continuing such support programs in the future, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the welfare of the workforce during these challenging times.