Labor activists and politicians demand accountability for shipbreaking industry deaths in Dhaka protest
Photo Collected
DHAKA — Labor rights advocates and union leaders gathered in front of the National Press Club on Monday to protest the recurring deaths of workers in the shipbreaking industry, specifically following recent fatalities in Sitakunda, Chittagong. Speakers at the rally demanded that the government take immediate, effective measures to ensure the safety, fair rights, and dignity of workers in the sector, emphasizing that profitability should never take precedence over human life.
The protest was jointly organized by the National Advocacy Alliance for Workers’ Rights and the Workers’ Safety Forum. Participants called for rapid medical treatment for injured workers, adequate compensation for the families of the deceased, and the establishment of a secure working environment across the industry.
Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, a Member of Parliament for the Pabna-5 constituency, condemned the deaths as preventable and rooted in negligence. He highlighted the significant role workers played in the recent mass uprising, noting that their contributions are currently met with state apathy regarding workplace safety. Biswas announced that he would raise a formal proposal in the National Parliament to establish a committee tasked with conducting a transparent and thorough investigation into the casualties in the shipbreaking industry.
Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), demanded that investigative reports into all industrial worker deaths be made public. He criticized the persistent lack of accountability, stating that despite frequent reports of fatalities, investigations are rarely conducted or concluded with justice. He vowed that the protest movement would continue until these systemic failures are addressed.
Rajekuzzaman Ratan, assistant general secretary of the central committee of the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSD) and president of the Socialist Workers’ Front, called for the prosecution of ship owners. He asserted that those responsible for monitoring the industry must also face legal consequences for negligence. Anwar Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Workers’ Party, echoed these sentiments, expressing hope that the rally would serve as a final push for institutional change to prevent future industrial tragedies.
The organizers presented a 13-point list of demands intended to improve conditions in the shipbreaking sector. Key requirements include the inclusion of worker representatives in accident investigation committees, the transparent disclosure of findings, and the imposition of exemplary punishment for individuals or entities found liable for negligence. Furthermore, the demands emphasize the necessity of long-term financial support, rehabilitation for victims, and access to advanced medical care for those injured on the job.
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