Dhaka: The government has announced an ambitious target to increase the number of green-certified ship recycling yards in Bangladesh to over 100, revealed Industries and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir. Currently, the country has around 31 such yards, with several more in the process of obtaining green certification.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Muktadir made these comments while acting as the chief guest at a workshop organized jointly by the Ministry of Industries and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at a hotel in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. The workshop focused on a feasibility study report concerning the establishment of a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) center under the "Bangladesh Safe and Environment-Friendly Ship Recycling Project."
Highlighting Bangladesh's prominent role in the global ship recycling industry, Muktadir noted that the country once led the world in tonnage terms, surpassing even India. Although Bangladesh's position has slightly declined recently, it continues to play a significant role in ship recycling worldwide. The minister emphasized the sector's importance to the national economy, providing substantial employment and supplying essential raw materials, such as scrap metal, for the steel industry.
Muktadir stressed the need for responsible and environmentally friendly growth in the sector, aiming to modernize and sustain the industry by ensuring compliance with international conventions and environmental standards. Achieving the target of over 100 green-certified yards will require both technical and financial support, along with strict enforcement of environmental compliance.
Addressing the challenge of hazardous waste management in ship recycling, Muktadir pointed out the environmental and health risks posed by the waste generated during the dismantling of large ships. The proposed TSDF is intended to address these concerns by safely and scientifically managing the collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.
The TSDF is expected not only to handle a significant portion of hazardous waste from ship recycling but also to create opportunities for managing waste from other industrial sources, including electronic waste. Muktadir expressed optimism that the facility would help the sector meet international environmental standards and enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global market.
The minister called for a coordinated effort involving the government, yard owners, relevant institutions, and international partners to transform the ship recycling sector into a safer, more modern, and sustainable industry.