Shipbreaking Yards in Sitakunda Bangladesh See 129 Worker Deaths: 205 Injuries Over the Last Decade
Chattogram’s Sitakunda, home to Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry, has witnessed a grim tally of 129 worker deaths and 205 injuries in accidents over the past decade, from 2015 to 2024. This alarming data was disclosed at a view-sharing meeting organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS) yesterday, held at the YPSA Human Resources Development Center in Sitakunda.
The meeting shed light on the persistent safety concerns and systemic issues plaguing the shipbreaking industry. Fazlul Kabir, an officer of BILS, presented the statistics, underscoring the dangerous working conditions that continue to claim lives and cause injuries in this high-risk sector.
A Decade of Tragedies
The BILS report revealed that the highest number of casualties in a single year occurred in 2019, when 23 workers lost their lives, and 35 others were injured. Although the frequency of accidents has reportedly declined in recent years, the overall trend remains troubling.
This year, a worker death was recorded by June, marking a slow start to the year’s accidents. However, the situation worsened in the months that followed. In July alone, eight workers were injured in five separate accidents. The most devastating incident this year took place on September 7 at the Green Shipbreaking Yard, operated by SN Corporation. This tragedy resulted in six fatalities and six injuries, further highlighting the hazardous nature of the industry.
Industry Criticism and Safety Concerns
The meeting featured impassioned discussions on the industry’s failings, particularly regarding worker safety and contractor oversight. Md Jamal Uddin, a foreman from a shipbreaking factory, did not hold back in his criticism of the rampant lack of skilled contractors in the sector.
“Out of 100 contractors, 98 are unskilled. They obtain licences through irregularities and exert influence. This not only jeopardises worker safety but also leads to improper compensation for workers,” Jamal Uddin stated.
He added that neglect of safety measures remains a key factor behind the frequent accidents in shipbreaking yards. Basic safety protocols, such as the use of protective gear and adequate training, are often ignored, leaving workers exposed to life-threatening risks.
Compliance Alone Not Enough
Muhammed Ali Shahin, advocacy focal person of YPSA, an organisation dedicated to addressing safety concerns in the ship recycling industry, stressed that possessing a compliance certificate is insufficient to prevent accidents.
“A compliance certificate is not a guarantee against accidents at ship recycling yards. Adherence to safety compliance must be integrated into the daily activities of all ship recycling yards,” Shahin said.
The emphasis on consistent, day-to-day implementation of safety standards resonated with attendees, many of whom pointed to the disconnect between regulatory requirements and ground-level realities in the industry.
Voices from the Meeting
The event was presided over by Tapan Dutta, a member of the Labour Reform Commission formed by the interim government. The chief guest, KM Rafiqul Islam, the upazila nirbahi officer, also attended the meeting, along with other local officials and leaders from various workers’ federations.
Among the attendees were Upazila Social Service Officer Lutfunnesa Begum, Upazila Youth Development Officer Tajammal Hossain, and Senior Station Officer of Kumira Fire Service Station Al Mamun. Their participation underscored the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by the shipbreaking industry, ranging from safety to labour rights and disaster preparedness.
Despite the meeting’s importance, there was a conspicuous absence of representatives from shipbreaking factory owners. Organisers said that invitations had been sent, but the factory owners failed to respond or attend the event. Their absence drew criticism from participants, who saw it as a lack of accountability and engagement on the part of industry leaders.
The Path Forward
The tragedies in Sitakunda’s shipbreaking yards paint a stark picture of an industry that remains perilous for its workers. As one of the largest shipbreaking hubs in the world, Sitakunda plays a crucial role in recycling decommissioned ships. However, this comes at a steep human cost, as evidenced by the hundreds of deaths and injuries over the past decade.
The discussions at the BILS meeting highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms. These include stricter oversight of contractors, mandatory safety training, and rigorous enforcement of compliance standards. However, meaningful change requires not just regulatory action but also cooperation and accountability from all stakeholders, including shipbreaking factory owners.
For now, the lives lost in Sitakunda serve as a tragic reminder of the price paid by workers in the shipbreaking industry. As the meeting concluded, attendees called for immediate action to ensure that worker safety is no longer compromised in the name of profit. The hope is that through sustained advocacy and reform, the next decade will not repeat the painful statistics of the past.
