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| বাংলায় পড়ুন | Researchers and Reporters: Shama Sultana Isfaqul Kabir |
Bangladesh is currently the world’s leading shipbreaking country. This sector has grown to be crucial for our nation’s economy. In the first nine months of 2024, out of 582 ships worldwide, 197 were broken in Bangladesh, accounting for 34% of all shipbreaking. This data demonstrates the resilience of Bangladesh’s shipbreaking sector and our significant market share abroad.
The role of the shipbreaking industry in the growth of the infrastructure sector in the country
The swift growth of the infrastructure sector in Bangladesh is one of the factors contributing to the country’s shipbreaking industry’s number one position in the globe. Due to several significant projects, such as the Padma Bridge, Metrorail, and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, there is a much greater need for iron. To accommodate this demand, the shipbreaking business is fulfilling its obligations. “The quantity of shipbreaking for such large projects has increased, which is essential to meet the country’s rod and iron needs,” stated Abu Taher, President of the Bangladesh Shipbreakers Association.
What makes Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry the best?
Bangladesh faces competition from Turkey, Pakistan, and India. in the international shipbreaking market Bangladesh’s shipbreaking business specializes in breaking the biggest and oldest ships in the world., making this industry more significant in Bangladesh. Additionally, the shipbreaking sector in Bangladesh has seen daily improvements in policies and conditions, increasing our industry’s competitiveness in the global market. However, as a result of Bangladesh’s modernization, the country has risen to the top of the shipbreaking sector, which was formerly dominated by India.
Health Risks and Environmental Issues
Even though Bangladesh leads the world in shipbreaking, the sector has some detrimental effects on both the environment and its employees. Shipbreaking employees operate in hazardous environments where they are near chemicals, poisonous materials, and sharp metals. Workers are already experiencing long-term health hazards, skin issues, and respiratory issues after two to three years of shipbreaking.
Furthermore, the wreckage of damaged ships and other garbage, such as oil, pollute coastal areas, endangering marine life. Some businesses, though, are an exception to this rule, employing eco-friendly technologies.
Preparing for the future
To grow this industry, Bangladesh must take a few additional actions. Specifically, government programs and safety regulations on eco-friendly technology and worker health protection should be reinforced. Ensuring the industry’s sustainable growth requires the use of safe, ecologically friendly, and ethically managed methods.
Apart from preserving the industry’s dominant position in Bangladesh, shipbreaking must adhere to international environmental and human rights standards to grow into a more advanced and sustainable sector for the nation.
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