'Improve safety standards in ship breaking industry'

They said if the industry can meet agreed standards, the country could benefit greatly by creating huge employment and providing more revenue for government exchequer.

The workshop was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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"Bangladesh could attract an increasing number of vessels for disposal if the industry here can demonstrate better environmental and occupational safety standards," said Aage Bjorn Anderson, an international shipping expert.

He said the huge task of dismantling ships is done manually in Bangladesh without providing helmets, gloves or goggles to the workers. As a result, many workers die or become injured and disabled, he added.

Despite the danger faced by the workers, their wage, hours of work and overtime payments fail to meet minimum labour standards, said Anderson.

Moreover, he said, the improper disposal of harmful chemicals around ship breaking yard is hazardous for the workers and a serious source of pollution in the surrounding environment.

In view of the prevailing scenario, the government has initiated a project with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the International Labour Organisation to improve safety and environment standards in the ship breaking industry through Safe and Environment Friendly Ship Recycling Project (SEFSRP).

The project includes the establishment of an office in Chittagong and some initial safety training for the workers.

The three-year project with a budget of $1.29 million is aimed at regulating ship breaking in the country by bringing together all parties concerned.

The shipyard owners had already drawn up a number of recommendations for improving practices, said Yasin Ali, vice- president of Bangladesh Ship Breakers Association.