Dhaka: Labour rights leaders today vowed to continue their struggle until the rights, safety, and dignity of workers in the shipbreaking industry are ensured. They made the pledge at a protest rally held in front of the Jatiya Press Club, protesting the deaths of nine workers from toxic gas exposure while cutting a scrap vessel at Ferdous Steel Ship Breaking Yard in Sitakunda.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the rally was organized by the National Advocacy Alliance for Workers' Rights (NAWR) and the Workers' Safety Forum (WSF). The rally attendees demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible, compensation for the victims, and a safe working environment. Key figures such as Central committee chief coordinator of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP, BILS Executive Director Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, AAM Foyez Hossain, Saifuzzaman Badsha, Badal Khan, and Rajekuzzaman Ratan addressed the rally.
The speakers demanded a transparent investigation into the accident, exemplary punishment for those responsible, adequate compensation for the families of the deceased, and advanced medical treatment for the injured. They also called for the inclusion of workers' representatives in every accident investigation committee, the formation of effective safety committees, regular inspection of shipbreaking yards, and ensuring workers' right to refuse unsafe work.
The speakers highlighted that 149 workers have been killed in the shipbreaking industry from 2015 to August 15, 2026. Between June 26, 2025, and August 14, 2026, 15 workers were killed and 81 others were injured in the industry.