Bangladesh is moving to modernise its ship recycling industry by improving workplace safety, environmental compliance and regulatory efficiency under a Japan-backed initiative aimed at making the sector more competitive and aligned with global supply chains.
Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir discussed the reform measures with a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation led by JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Takahashi Junko at the commerce ministry on Wednesday.
The initiative focuses on addressing key challenges facing the ship recycling sector, including workplace safety risks, environmental concerns, limited adoption of modern technology and complex approval procedures.
“Ship recycling has an important role in Bangladesh’s economy. The sector has created significant employment opportunities, but sustainable development requires stronger safety measures, environmental protection, modern technology and easier approval processes,” Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said.
He said the JICA-supported ship recycling project would help strengthen the sector’s capacity and develop facilities that meet international standards.
Under the project, authorities will assess the capacity of ship recycling yards, provide training to stakeholders, prepare modern operational guidelines and improve systems for verifying ship recycling facility plans (SRFPs) and approving ship recycling plans (SRPs).
The initiative will also support certification of ship recycling facilities and improve compliance with international requirements, officials said.
To reduce delays in regulatory procedures, the project plans to introduce a single-window online service system that will bring together multiple government approval processes. The move is expected to simplify compliance procedures for ship recycling operators and improve efficiency.
Takahashi Junko said JICA was working with relevant government agencies to address administrative and technical challenges in the sector and support the development of an internationally compliant and environmentally sustainable ship recycling industry.
The meeting also discussed strengthening small and medium enterprises and connecting local businesses with international supply chains through technology transfer, training and skills development.
“Connecting local entrepreneurs with international industrial systems through capacity building is one of the government’s key objectives. With JICA’s support, Bangladesh’s industrial sector will become more competitive,” Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said.
Bangladesh’s ship recycling industry supplies recycled steel to domestic industries and supports employment generation. However, increasing global demand for safer and environmentally responsible recycling practices has raised the importance of improving standards, compliance and operational efficiency.
Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board Director General A S M Shafiul Alam Talukder and Ministry of Commerce Joint Secretary Mahbuba Khatoon Minu attended the meeting.
