Shipbreaking workers demand action over nine deaths
Calling the incident more than a mere accident, forum leaders demanded a transparent and impartial investigation and criminal action against those responsible.
The Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum has alleged that prolonged safety lapses, regulatory violations and negligence led to the deaths of nine workers from toxic gas exposure at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Bhatiary, Sitakunda.
At a protest rally and human chain at Chattogram Press Club today (16 August), the forum demanded a transparent, impartial investigation, criminal action against those responsible, compensation for the victims' families and full treatment for the injured.
Forum Convener Tapan Dutta presided over the programme, moderated by Member Secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu.
The Forum said workers had long demanded that hazardous work be assigned only to trained workers and authorised contractors, but the demands were not properly implemented.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
It alleged that accidents and deaths have continued for years without effective accountability, as those responsible often face neither criminal nor disciplinary action after investigations, encouraging owners to disregard safety regulations.
