The shipbreaking industry in Sitakunda, Chattogram, has become a site of recurring tragedy, with over 150 workers losing their lives in industrial accidents over the past 12 years. Despite persistent concerns regarding workplace safety and repeated government inspections, the sector continues to operate under hazardous conditions, leaving countless families in a state of perpetual grief and financial instability.
The recent death of 10 workers due to toxic gas exposure at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries serves as a grim reminder of the systemic failures within the industry. Among the victims was 55-year-old Mohammad Munsur, whose death has left his daughter, Reshma Akter, struggling to survive. Reshma, who has completed her higher secondary education, is currently unemployed and faces an uncertain future, as the compensation received is insufficient to sustain her family in the long run.
Research and government reports have consistently highlighted the lack of safety protocols in Sitakunda’s shipbreaking yards. Workers frequently face life-threatening risks, including exposure to toxic gases, fire hazards, and fatal accidents involving heavy machinery. Although authorities have issued warnings and conducted inspections, the implementation of safety standards remains woefully inadequate. The pressure to dismantle ships quickly often leads to the blatant disregard of safety regulations, putting the lives of thousands of laborers at risk.
While the shipbreaking industry contributes significantly to the national economy, the human cost of its operations has become a subject of intense scrutiny. Labor rights advocates argue that the absence of proper fire safety equipment, gas detection systems, and personal protective gear is the primary cause of these fatalities. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive training for workers exacerbates the danger, as they are often forced to work in environments that do not meet international safety benchmarks.
The compensation provided to the families of deceased workers is often a one-time payment that fails to address the long-term economic hardship faced by the survivors. There is a critical need for sustainable rehabilitation programs and the enforcement of stricter legal accountability for yard owners. Without a radical shift in safety culture and rigorous oversight, the shipbreaking yards of Sitakunda will continue to be a death trap for the vulnerable workforce that powers this industry.
