At least three workers have died in workplace accidents in Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry during the first four months of 2026. Labour leaders have described the deaths as deeply alarming and a sign of persistent safety gaps in the sector.
The information was shared at a meeting of the Shipbreaking Workers Safety Committee on Monday morning at the BILS-LRSC Conference Hall in Chattogram. Speakers raised serious concerns over overall safety conditions in the industry.
The meeting was chaired by Nurul Absar, Joint Convener of the Safety Committee, and moderated by Fazlul Kabir Mintu, Coordinator of the BILS Chittagong Centre. AM Nazim Uddin, Joint Convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum, attended as chief guest. Safety Committee Member Secretary Mohammad Ali, Joint Member Secretary Md Idris, and several labour leaders were also present.
In his speech, AM Nazim Uddin said the shipbreaking sector makes a significant contribution to the national economy, but workers continue to face highly risky conditions. He said weak safety measures, lack of proper training, and poor environmental compliance have kept accidents, occupational diseases and pollution at worrying levels.
He also said Bangladesh ratified the Hong Kong Convention on 26 June 2023, with its provisions set to become mandatory from 26 June 2025. However, he said there has been little visible improvement in occupational health, safety and environmental management in the sector.
Other speakers echoed similar concerns. They said workers remain exposed to hazardous conditions, including accidents, fires and toxic gases, despite being the backbone of production.
They stressed that occupational health and safety is not charity but a fundamental right. They urged authorities to take immediate and effective steps to protect workers’ lives and dignity.
