Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said the government is implementing various initiatives to make the ship breaking industry safe and environment friendly.
He made the remark during an event on Wednesday.
Bangladesh has recently ratified the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, 2018; Bangladesh Ship Breaking and Recycling Rules, 2011 and Medical Waste Management and Processing Rules, 2008 have been enacted aimed at building a sustainable ship breaking industry.
As a result, through various measures implemented by the government, four shipyards have successfully transitioned into green shipyards. Additionally, over a dozen other shipyards are currently in the process of undergoing the transformation to become environmentally-friendly facilities.
The minister said: "Although the ship breaking industry has made a significant contribution to the economy of Bangladesh, we all have to work to ensure its environmental protection."
He also said: "First of all, the safety of the workers involved and their health should be ensured. They should provide technical support. It is important to explore how to advance this growing industry by identifying and eliminating environmental hazards."
"All stakeholders must work together to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly economic development," he added.
