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The Shipbreaking Industry: Economy, Human Responsibility, and the Search for an Environmentally Friendly Future
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The Shipbreaking Industry: Economy, Human Responsibility, and the Search for an Environmentally Friendly Future
By Delwar Jahid
During a visit to Bangladesh’s first Hong Kong Convention-compliant green shipyard, PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries, located in Sitakunda, Chattogram, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz described the country’s shipbreaking industry as a highly promising sector. In his observation, despite various global challenges, the industry continues to make significant contributions to Bangladesh’s economy, employment generation, and industrial development. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of worker safety, environmental protection, and compliance with international standards.
The German Ambassador’s remarks not only indicate economic potential; they also raise profound humanitarian and ethical questions before us. In my childhood, the autobiographical works and literature of Russian writer Maxim Gorky deeply moved me. Gorky’s writings portrayed the struggles, suffering, deprivation, and dreams of working-class people with remarkable humanity, a reality that remains equally relevant today. He believed that the true power of literature emerges from real human life. Therefore, giving voice to neglected and hardworking people is not merely a literary duty but also a social responsibility. The lives, risks, struggles, and dreams of workers in Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry are also part of this broader human reality.
The shipbreaking industry, or ship recycling industry, is an important sector of the global maritime economy. By dismantling old and obsolete ships and recovering steel, machinery, and recyclable materials, the industry supports construction and manufacturing sectors worldwide. Although the practice of reusing damaged ships dates back to ancient times, modern industrial shipbreaking began in the late nineteenth century with the rise of steel-based shipbuilding industries. During the first half of the twentieth century, industrialized countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan led the sector. After the Second World War, vast numbers of military and commercial ships were dismantled to collect steel needed for reconstruction and industrialization.
Later, during the 1960s and 1970s, due to high labor costs, strict environmental regulations, and the availability of cheap labor in developing countries, the shipbreaking industry gradually shifted from the Western world to Asia. Taiwan and South Korea initially emerged as important centers, followed later by Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, which became major hubs of the industry. Long coastlines, low operating costs, and domestic demand for scrap steel helped these countries establish strong positions in the global ship recycling sector.
In Bangladesh, the industry began in the 1960s with the dismantling of a Greek ship in Sitakunda, Chattogram. Today, the sector supplies a significant portion of the country’s steel demand and provides employment to thousands of people. India’s Alang and Pakistan’s Gadani shipyards are also globally recognized. However, alongside its economic importance, the industry has long been criticized for environmental pollution, hazardous waste, and unsafe working conditions. Asbestos, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals present in old ships create severe risks for workers and coastal ecosystems.
In this context, the International Maritime Organization adopted the Hong Kong Convention in 2009, aiming to ensure safe and environmentally sound ship recycling. At present, South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, are working to implement international standards, adopt modern technologies, establish green shipyards, and ensure worker welfare. Mohammad Zahirul Islam, Managing Director of PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries, stated that the company has already invested more than 14 million US dollars in developing modern safety systems and environmentally friendly infrastructure. This demonstrates that the industry is gradually moving toward sustainable development and humanitarian responsibility.
Globally, the increasing number of aging ships, growing demand for recycling, and technological modernization are expected to further brighten the future prospects of the shipbreaking industry. The use of automated technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, and environmentally controlled dry-dock systems could make the industry safer and more efficient. However, alongside economic growth and industrialization, equal importance must be given to workers’ lives, health, fair wages, and environmental protection. Because the true success of any industry lies not merely in profit, but in ensuring human dignity and safety.
Step to Humanity Bangladesh Emphasizes Upholding Rule of Law and Human Rights During Independence Day Discussion
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Step to Humanity Bangladesh Emphasizes Upholding Rule of Law and Human Rights During Independence Day Discussion
On the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day 2026, a virtual discussion meeting organized by Step to Humanity Bangladesh was held in Dhaka on the night of Saturday, March 28. During the event, special emphasis was placed on establishing the rule of law, upholding human rights, and strengthening democratic values within the country.
Delivering the keynote address as the chief guest was veteran expatriate journalist, writer, and freedom fighter Delwar Jahid. He paid deep homage to all the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War and expressed his hope that their sacrifices and tales of valor would remain forever indelible in the nation's history.
Delwar Jahid observed that recent shifts in the country's political landscape—coupled with various untoward incidents involving violence, killings, looting, rape, and arson—have placed unprecedented pressure on the law and order situation. He noted that a deficit in responsibility and accountability is tarnishing the country's image in the international arena. He further stated that the united initiatives of human rights organizations, coordinated activities, and the active participation of a conscious civil society could assist the government in addressing this situation and play a pivotal role in restoring stability to the nation.
Participating in the discussion, Dr. Anwar Jahid—Registrar of Pundra University in Bogura and former Director of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD)—recommended adopting various organizational measures to expand the activities of Step to Humanity Bangladesh to the grassroots level. He placed particular emphasis on inspiring the younger generation with the ideals of human rights and democratic values.
The event was presided over by Dr. Kamrul Hasan—son of martyred intellectual Principal Sadik, former Director of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), and President of Step to Humanity Bangladesh.
Other participants in the discussion included journalist Khairul Ahsan Manik (UNB), Vice President of Step to Humanity Bangladesh; journalist Sajjad Hossain (BSS), son of a freedom fighter; Firoz Mia, Editor of *Daily Bhorer Suryoday*; women's rights activist Nasima Akter, former Director of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development; and journalist Shamsul Habib (*Jugantor*). Saifur Hasan, Cyber Security Officer; expatriate businessman Shakhawat Iqbal; and Engineer Ivana Hossain.
The speakers expressed their resolve to work collectively—upholding the spirit of the Liberation War—to establish human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and called for further expansion of the activities of 'Step to Humanity Bangladesh'.
The event was moderated by Engineer Ivana Hossain.
Clouds and hills draw thousands of tourists in holiday rush in Bandarban
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By Saikat Das
BANDARBAN, March 22, 2026 (BSS) – Eid holidays unfold as a perfect blend of joy, togetherness, and an irresistible urge to travel—and this year, the allure of the hills has proven impossible to resist.
Leaving behind the bustle of city life, thousands of holidaymakers from across the country have surged toward Bandarban, transforming the picturesque hill district into a lively mosaic of festivity and exploration.
With clouds drifting over emerald hills and nature at its most enchanting, Bandarban now stands as a vibrant sanctuary where the spirit of Eid meets the thrill of adventure. Popular tourist spots such as Nilgiri, Nilachal, and Shailaprapat are crowded with tourists enjoying their time with family and friends.
Some are kayaking, some are traveling from one hill to another on zip lines, while others are capturing selfies amidst nature.
Aindrila Biswas, who came to visit Nilachal Tourist Center, said, “The natural beauty of Bandarban is simply breathtaking. It feels like the hills have come close to me. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the view is truly mesmerizing.”
Saiful Islam, who arrived at Nilachal from Dhaka in the late afternoon, said, “One cannot truly understand how rich Bangladesh is in natural beauty without visiting Bandarban. There are huge tourist spots to see .”
Sukumaar Tanchangya, manager of the ticket counter at Meghla Tourist Center, said that although the number of visitors was lower in the morning, it increased significantly in the afternoon. Around 700 tickets had been sold by 4 pm, with crowds usually peaking in the evening, he said.
Meanwhile, hotel and resort owners are having a busy time due to the surge in tourists. Most hotels had already been fully booked in advance, according to officials.
Sirajul Islam, president of the Bandarban Residential Hotel and Resort Owners Association, said that all hotels and resorts in Bandarban have been booked due to the government holidays, and there is currently extra pressure from tourists.
To ensure the safety of visitors, the district administration, along with law enforcement agencies, has taken additional measures. Security has been strengthened at all tourist spots.
Mohammad Farid Uddin, inspector of Bandarban Tourist Police, said, “We are on duty round the clock to ensure tourists’ safety. Law and order are normal. Plainclothes officers are also patrolling the tourist areas.”
Reports of heavy tourist presence have also come from various tourist spots spread across the seven upazilas of Bandarban.
With the influx of tourists during the Eid holidays, the hill district has come alive once again. The local economy is thriving due to the increased tourist activity.
As in previous years, a wave of tourists has surged into the hills this Eid, drawn by the region’s natural beauty. Officials hope that if this trend continues, the country’s tourism industry will grow even further.
Terrorists and Revolutionaries: The Fine but Crucial Difference
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In today’s world, the terms terrorist and revolutionary are often used interchangeably, but philosophically and practically, they are very different. Understanding this distinction is not just academic—it shapes how societies respond to political violence.
Revolutionaries aim to transform unjust political systems. Their struggle is rooted in a vision for systemic change—overthrowing tyranny, ending oppression, or fighting colonial or authoritarian rule. Crucially, their legitimacy comes from the people: broad-based support, historical grievances, and often, international recognition. While some revolutionary movements have used violence, it is typically directed against oppressive institutions rather than innocent civilians.
- Additional Resources:
- Additional Resources:
- Agro-Ocean
- Asian News and Views
- Bangabandhu Development and Research Institute
- Bangladesh North American Journalists Network
- Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA)
- Coastal 19
- Delwar Jahid's Biography
- Diverse Edmonton
- Dr. Anwar Zahid
- Edmonton Oaths
- Mahinur Jahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF)
- Motherlanguage Day in Canada
- Samajkantha News
- Step to Humanity Bangladesh