Rizwana Urges Tougher Enforcement of Environmental Laws in the Shipbreaking Industry for a Greener Future

Stricter Rules Needed for Shipbreaking in Bangladesh

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an advisor focused on the environment and climate change, recently spoke at a workshop about the shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh. She called for stronger enforcement of existing laws and better accountability to protect both the environment and workers.

During the event, she warned that without immediate changes, Bangladesh could become a global dumping ground for hazardous waste. She stressed that shipbreaking should not come at the cost of human lives and urged authorities to follow High Court rulings that ban this practice in tidal areas.

“We can’t keep this industry alive if it doesn’t meet global safety and environmental standards,” she said. Hasan expressed her willingness to collaborate with the Ministry of Industry to create regulations that safeguard workers and the environment.

She raised concerns about the dire working conditions in shipbreaking yards, where workers are often exposed to dangerous materials without adequate safety measures. Hasan pointed out that, unlike the garment industry, where international buyers enforce labor standards, shipbreaking companies frequently escape their responsibilities, allowing toxic waste to accumulate.

“The ships don’t just carry waste; they contain hazardous materials we can’t manage safely,” she explained. She questioned why Bangladesh relies on shipbreaking for iron when the risks are so great. She highlighted that weak regulations have allowed hazardous waste to be imported illegally, putting both workers and the environment at risk.

Hasan cited instances where companies provided false documents to facilitate shipbreaking while bypassing environmental laws. She insisted that workers should be informed about the cancer risks associated with their jobs, advocating for clear warnings in multiple languages at shipbreaking sites.

She argued for the “polluter pays” principle, emphasizing that waste generators should be responsible for disposal. Unfortunately, many shipowners are evading their legal responsibilities by changing ship registrations to less regulated countries.

“Would any European country allow shipbreaking on their own shores? Why are our standards different when lives are at stake?” she asked.

Lastly, she expressed frustration with the Ministry of Industry for allowing operations that violate environmental guidelines. Hasan reminded everyone that Bangladesh has laws to hold polluters accountable, yet shipbreaking practices often exploit regulatory loopholes. She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to ensuring that Bangladesh does not become a haven for hazardous waste.

“We need a legal framework for shipbreaking that aligns with global safety standards. Our workers and our environment deserve better,” she urged.