On Wednesday 30 December 2009, ten workers were injured being pressed under the iron plate at Sitakunda ship yard. Before that, on 26 December 2009, four were killed and at least thirty workers injured in a massive gas explosion.

From the newspaper reports, our own investigation and also through the relevant cases, we certainly know that the workers of ship-breaking industry have to work in highly risky conditions. As there are no specific rules and regulations in ship-breaking industry, the workers have to work without adequate safety measures, proper training and machineries. From newspaper reports, we come to know that in the last nine and half months, around four hundred workers lost their lives and thousands have been injured.

Though the High Court has issued rule upon Bangladesh Ship-breakers’ Association to adopt rules and regulations and to follow guidelines but due to their appeal, there is a stay order on some of those. But we feel that the stay order does not bar the Government to adopt rules and regulations. The Government, if they have the will, can adopt necessary rules and regulations to ensure labor safety.

We demand the Government to take effective measures regarding this issue.