government is implementing various initiatives to make the shipbreaking industry safe and environment friendly.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on environmental management of the shipbreaking industry at the Department of Environment in the capital on Wednesday (August 16).
Bangladesh has recently ratified the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, 2018; Bangladesh Ship Breaking and Recycling Rules, 2011 and Medical Waste Management and Processing Rules, 2008 have been enacted aimed at building a sustainable ship-breaking industry.
Through various measures implemented by the government, four shipyards have successfully transitioned into green shipyards. Additionally, over a dozen other shipyards are currently in the process of undergoing the transformation to become environmentally-friendly facilities.
The minister said, ‘Although the shipbreaking industry has made a significant contribution to the economy of Bangladesh, we all have to work to ensure its environmental protection.’
He also said, ‘First of all, the safety of the workers involved and their health should be ensured.’
Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Abdul Hamid presided over the workshop while Industry Secretary Zakia Sultana and Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed attended as special guests. Director of Environmental Directorate (ECC) Masood Iqbal presented the keynote paper at the workshop.
