Pirojpur’s emerging shipbuilding industry in Nesarabad could generate thousands of jobs if supported by government action and structured training, but rising costs and weak policy support are pushing the sector towards decline.
Industry insiders say dockyards built along the banks of the Sandhya River over the past two decades now face uncertainty amid higher diesel prices and limited institutional backing.
The riverine district, crisscrossed by dozens of waterways, has seen Nesarabad grow into a key hub for low-cost shipbuilding and repair. Clients from across the country come here to build new vessels and service older ones due to comparatively lower construction costs.
The cluster of dockyards has created employment for between 8,000 and 10,000 workers, including labourers from neighbouring areas. However, most operate without formal training or adequate safety measures.
Workers said the absence of protective equipment and training has led to frequent accidents, including fatalities.
“I have been working here for four years. There are around 50 dockyards in this area, employing thousands of workers, but we have no formal training,” said Sharsina Dockyard worker Sirajul Islam.
“If the government arranged training, we could build international-standard ships and even find work abroad. There is also no safety system here, and accidents happen regularly,” he said.
He added that two workers had previously died from electrocution, underscoring the risks faced by labourers.
Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Deputy Manager HM Faizur Rahman said the district hosts nearly 50 dockyards employing thousands of workers.
He said BSCIC is working to facilitate training, government support and access to bank loans on easier terms for the sector.
“With proper initiatives and participation from both government and private stakeholders, the industry could expand rapidly,” he said.
Local observers say coordinated action is needed to introduce structured training programmes, enforce safety standards and improve access to finance.
They added that without timely intervention, the potential of the Nesarabad shipbuilding cluster may remain underutilised, despite its capacity to create large-scale employment and produce vessels of international standards.
