"Ship demolition is a highly risky affair, yet ship breaking yard owners hardly follow occupational safety standards and wage board regulations. "Ship breaking yards must ensure that scrapping does not cause any pollution and health hazards through releasing hazardous wastes. 14,000 mangrove plants were felled in 2009 in Sitakunda to make space for ship breaking yards. Some cancers, including asbestos related mesothelioma, will only develop 15 to 20 years after exposure, and cause many more casualties among former ship breaking workers. In addition to taking a huge toll on the health and lives of workers, ship breaking is a highly polluting industry.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 08, 2020 14:37 UTC