Shipbreaking industry traders, workers rally in Ctg, demand protection against 'conspiracies'

Several thousand traders and workers associated with the shipbreaking industry formed a human chain today (27 February) along the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway at the Bhatiary area in Chattogram to condemn alleged conspiracies against the shipbreaking industry and to demand measures for its protection.

Speakers at the protest, organised by the Shipbreaking Trader-Worker Unity Council, accused certain groups of attempting to stifle the industry under the pretext of environmental concerns. 

They highlighted that the sector has already made significant progress in aligning with the Hong Kong Convention, which sets international standards for environmentally safe and sustainable ship recycling. Currently, seven ship recycling yards have received Green Yard certification, with ten more awaiting approval and the rest actively working towards compliance.

The human chain and rally was addressed by Council Convener Mohiuddin Ahmed, General Secretary of the Shipbreaking Workers Federation Mohammad Javed, and council members Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Khaled Manju, and Sheikh Sahab Uddin, among others. 

Additionally, representatives from various trade associations and thousands of shipbreaking workers attended the event.

Council Convener Mohiuddin Ahmed said, "Over the past decade, industry players have invested thousands of crores in making shipbreaking safer and more sustainable under government supervision. He argued that dismissing the industry's progress as inadequate is misleading and part of a greater conspiracy.

General Secretary of the Shipbreaking Workers Federation Mohammad Javed emphasized that not just workers, but thousands of businesses linked to the shipbreaking industry, including steel manufacturers, shipbuilders, banking institutions, and exporters, are at risk if the sector is undermined.

Council Member Mohammad Nabi said, "The industry produces high-quality steel and over 100 different types of raw materials, supporting eight key economic sectors. For Sitakunda, where most families rely on shipbreaking directly or indirectly, this industry is considered an economic lifeline."

Participants in the protest demanded an end to all conspiracies against the shipbreaking industry and urged the government and relevant ministries to take necessary measures to resolve ongoing challenges. They stressed that the survival of the industry is crucial for the livelihood of thousands of workers and for the continued economic growth of the country.

This is to mention that the shipbreaking industry, located in Sitakunda, is the only one of its kind in Bangladesh. However, stakeholders claim it has been facing persistent domestic and international conspiracies, despite becoming significantly safer and more environmentally friendly in recent years. Negative accusations and false propaganda, both locally and internationally, have allegedly resulted in restrictions on importing old ships, causing delays in obtaining beaching and cutting permissions for already imported vessels. These delays, sometimes lasting for months, have led to the prolonged closure of many shipbreaking yards.

Industry leaders warn that if the sector continues to face such challenges, the government could lose revenue amounting to thousands of crores each year. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of workers directly or indirectly dependent on the industry may face unemployment. 

the shipbreaking industry is currently valued at Tk30,000 crore and contributes Tk1,500 crore in annual revenue to the government while fueling a trillion-taka economy.