C T Online Desk: On Saturday, an explosion at a shipbreaking yard named NS Corporation in Sitakunda, Chittagong, left 12 people severely burned. Among them, the condition of eight is critical.
Accidents like these frequently result in fatalities and injuries at shipyards.
In the past nine years (from 2015 to June 2024), 124 people have died in accidents at these shipyards.
According to the Labour Resource and Support Centre, every year, there are numerous injuries and fatalities in accidents at shipbreaking yards.
The organization believes that the lack of necessary safety measures is the primary reason for these accidents.
Their statistics show that from 2015 to June 2024, 124 people have lost their lives in these incidents. This includes 16 deaths in 2015, 18 in 2016, 19 in 2017, 13 in 2018, 23 in 2019, 10 in 2020, 9 in 2021, 7 in 2022, 7 in 2023, and 1 person in 2024.
In the first six months of this year, there have been 12 accidents in shipyards, resulting in 12 injuries and one death.
Fazlul Kabir Mintu, the coordinator of the organization, said: “Saturday’s accident at the shipyard was extremely severe. Out of the 12 injured, eight are in critical condition. The explosion occurred when a gas torch used for cutting metal parts of a ship ignited an oil tank. This accident took place at a green shipyard, which usually follows many rules to avoid risks. This severe accident at a green shipyard has raised new concerns. Currently, there are around 30 to 35 shipyards, of which only four are green shipyards. Another 5-6 shipyards are in the process of being classified as green.”
He further mentioned: “Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there were more than 150 shipyards in the country. After the pandemic, the number dropped to 55-60. Due to the ongoing dollar crisis, several more shipyards closed down, bringing the number down to 10-15. However, this year, the number of shipyards has increased to 30-35.”
Tapan Dutta, the convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum, said: “The accident on Saturday was extremely serious. Among the 12 injured, eight are in critical condition. The accident occurred because the work was not done according to the rules. We demand that those responsible for this accident be investigated and brought to justice.”
He added: “There are supposed to be many regulations followed in green shipyards. However, in both green and regular shipyards, it is common for contractors to be hired for cutting ships rather than directly employing workers. These contractors often do not follow the rules in their rush to complete the work, leading to accidents.
“Shipyards are not paying the wages determined by the wage board, nor are they following labor laws. Despite instructions to stop shipbreaking work after 8 p.m., many yards are ignoring this directive.”
Nazmul Islam, assistant secretary of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, said: “12 people have been injured in the accident at the NS Corporation shipbreaking yard. The cause of the accident is still unknown.”
Sitakunda police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kamal Uddin said: “Twelve people were injured in the accident at the shipbreaking yard. We have inspected the accident site, and our senior officers have been informed of the preliminary findings. If a case is filed regarding the incident, a proper investigation will be conducted, and necessary action will be taken.”
