Dhaka, Sep 08 (V7N) - A recent explosion at the NS Corporation shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram, has critically injured 12 workers, with eight in grave condition. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers in shipyards, which have seen frequent accidents resulting in casualties.

According to the Labour Resource and Support Centre, over the last nine years (2015 to June 2024), a total of 124 workers have lost their lives in shipbreaking yard accidents due to inadequate safety measures.

The breakdown of fatalities includes 16 deaths in 2015, 18 in 2016, 19 in 2017, 13 in 2018, 23 in 2019, 10 in 2020, 9 in 2021, 7 in both 2022 and 2023, and 1 death in 2024. So far, this year has seen 12 accidents resulting in one fatality and 12 injuries.

Fazlul Kabir Mintu, coordinator of the Labour Resource and Support Centre, emphasized that Saturday’s explosion at the green-certified shipyard has raised fresh concerns, as these yards usually adhere to strict safety protocols. The explosion was reportedly caused by a gas torch igniting an oil tank during metal cutting. Currently, there are approximately 30 to 35 operational shipyards, with only four certified as "green."

Tapan Dutta, convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum, criticized the lack of safety regulations in both regular and green shipyards, calling for an investigation and accountability for those responsible. He noted that contractors, in a rush to complete work, often ignore safety rules, leading to such tragic accidents.

Nazmul Islam, assistant secretary of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, confirmed the injuries but stated that the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Sitakunda police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kamal Uddin said that senior officers are investigating the incident, and appropriate legal action will be taken once a formal complaint is lodged.

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