The deadly gas leak at a Sitakunda shipbreaking yard that claimed nine lives has exposed a critical flaw in Bangladesh’s ship-recycling safety regulations, raising urgent questions over whether the system leaves enclosed spaces dangerously unchecked during dismantling.
Six yard workers and three local residents died following exposure to hydrogen sulphide at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Bhatiyari, Chattogram, on Friday morning.
The local residents collapsed after entering the area in a desperate bid to rescue the workers.
The disaster occurred inside a water-ballast tank adjacent to the cargo tank of MT Rasi, a 30,770-tonne former LNG carrier.
Yard manager Md Yusuf Ali revealed that the compartment was never subjected to a gas test or clearance because such spaces are routinely treated as non-hazardous.
Yusuf stated that the Department of Explosives inspects vessels at outer anchorage and after beaching, focusing exclusively on fuel and lubricant tanks before issuing safety certificates.
“Since there is nothing hazardous in a water-ballast tank, there is no requirement for a separate gas test or clearance certificate,” Yusuf said. “Shipyards generally do not obtain such certificates.”
He added that water was retained in the compartment to stabilise the vessel against high tides.
A post-accident inspection confirmed lethal concentrations of hydrogen sulphide in the ballast section. However, authorities have yet to clarify whether regulations officially exempt ballast tanks, how the gas accumulated, or why atmospheric testing and ventilation were not enforced before workers approached the space.
Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board has suspended operations at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Sitakunda following Friday’s tragedy.
BSRB Director General ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder said the indefinite stop-work order was issued on Saturday, 15 August, a day after the incident.
Three committees, formed by the Industries Ministry, Chattogram district administration and Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, are investigating the cause, possible safety violations and compensation for the victims’ families.
“If the investigations find the company bears no responsibility, operations may be allowed to resume,” Talukder told TIMES. “Otherwise, the yard may be shut down permanently.”
Conflicting accounts
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the workers’ activities before the accident. Tapan Dutta, convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum, alleged that 30 to 35 men were brought in for cutting work despite Friday being a weekly holiday.
Yard manager Md Yusuf Ali rejected this, claiming the men were performing routine housekeeping and only approached the ballast tank after detecting a foul odour from leaking water.
Crucial questions remain over who authorised their approach, whether a confined-space entry permit was issued, and if atmospheric testing occurred.
Multiple agencies responsible
Vessels destined for Bangladesh’s recycling yards must navigate multiple regulatory hurdles. A 17-agency committee inspects ships at outer anchorage to certify recycling fitness, the Department of Explosives tests for toxic gases, and a government-appointed safety agency drafts the official dismantling plan.
Visiting the site on Saturday, Industries Ministry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan stated that vessels are required to arrive with gas-free certificates from sellers, with the Department of Explosives overseeing gas safety.
Naser noted it was too early to determine how toxic gas accumulated despite these checks or assign individual negligence, adding that an investigation committee has been given seven days to submit its findings.
However, the vessel’s gas-free certificates, inspection logs, and dismantling plans remain undisclosed. These documents are critical to revealing which compartments were tested, when clearance was granted, and who ultimately authorised work to proceed.
Probe committee begins inquiry
The Ministry of Industries has launched an 11-member investigation committee, headed by Additional Secretary AKM Benjamin Riazi, to probe the fatal gas leak.
The panel finalised its inquiry plan at Chattogram Circuit House on August 15 and is set to inspect the site on August 16.
“We are at a preliminary stage,” Riazi told TIMES, stressing that protecting life remains paramount. The probe will examine technical flaws, assign accountability, and recommend safety measures.
Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan reiterated that vessels must arrive with gas-free certificates alongside Department of Explosives oversight.
History of safety violations
Friday’s fatal gas leak has renewed fierce scrutiny over safety deficiencies identified at Ferdous Steel just months before the disaster.
A Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) inspection on February 9 exposed inadequate safety equipment, a failure to conduct mandatory risk assessments, excessive working hours without overtime pay, and unauthorized shifts on weekly holidays.
Following unsatisfactory responses to multiple notices, DIFE filed a labour court case in July against yard owner Ferdous Wahid and manager Md Yusuf Ali.
It remains unclear whether these violations were ever rectified or if the site was reinspected before the accident.
DIFE Deputy Inspector General Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan clarified that while his department monitors basic workplace compliance, gas safety and explosives clearances fall under specialist bodies. He assured that the ongoing probe will examine technical validity, clearance authenticity, and systemic negligence.
Friday’s tragedy adds to a grim track record at Ferdous Steel, following fatal incidents involving a fall from height in 2017 and an electrocution in 2023.
Two brothers among nine dead
Brothers Md Mansur Ali and Nasir Uddin were among the nine victims claimed by Friday’s disaster. Waiving autopsy procedures, their grieving family laid them to rest in Bhatiyari late Friday night.
However, relative Mohammad Mohiuddin alleged that no yard representative has made contact with the family, despite widespread announcements offering Tk 10 lakh in financial assistance for each victim’s relatives.
Critical uncertainties remain over who authorised the pledged payout, when the funds will be disbursed, and whether the sum represents statutory labor compensation, insurance payouts, or voluntary ex-gratia support from the yard management.
What green-yard status meant
Yard manager Md Yusuf Ali insisted Ferdous Steel adheres to international safety standards, claiming it secured green ship-recycling certification in 2026. However, he declined to name the certifying body or disclose audit reports.
Bangladesh hosts 23 certified green yards in Sitakunda. This status mandates strict environmental and safety standards, including hazardous-waste management, controlled cutting, and rigorous risk assessments. Rather than a universal global body, classification societies like ClassNK or Bureau Veritas issue compliance statements, while national oversight falls to the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board under the Hong Kong Convention.
Yet, green certification has failed to prevent tragedy. Ferdous Steel recorded fatalities in 2017 and 2023, culminating in Friday’s disaster, which claimed nine lives.
Despite official announcements of Tk10 lakh compensation per victim’s family, relative Mohammad Mohiuddin alleged that no yard representative has made contact.
