Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister
Md Shahab Uddin today said the government is implementing various initiatives
to make the shipbreaking industry safe and environment-friendly.
Bangladesh has recently ratified the Hong Kong International Convention for
the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, he said.
The environment minister made the remarks at a workshop on the environmental
management of shipbreaking industry, organised by the Department of
Environment (DoE) in the capital.
Addressing as the chief guest, he said the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act,
2018, Bangladesh Ship Recycling Rules, 2011 and Medical Waste (Management and
Processing) Rules, 2008 have been enacted aimed at building a sustainable
shipbreaking industry.
As a result of various far-reaching measures taken by the government, four
shipyards have already become green shipyards, Shahab Uddin said, adding:
“More than a dozen shipyards are in the process of becoming green shipyards.”
Although the shipbreaking industry has made a significant contribution to the
economy of Bangladesh, all have to work to ensure its environmental
protection, he said.
“First of all, the safety of the workers involved and their health should be
ensured. They should provide technical support. It is important to explore
how to advance this growing industry by identifying and eliminating
environmental hazards. All stakeholders must work together to ensure
sustainable and environment-friendly economic development,” the minister
said.
Chaired by the DoE Director General Dr Abdul Hamid, the workshop was
addressed, among others, by Industry Secretary Zakia Sultana, Environment,
Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary
(Environment) of the ministry Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik and Additional Director
General of the DoE Kazi Abu Taher.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha