No ship recycling business without green licence: Commerce Minister

No institution will be allowed to operate ship recycling (ship breaking) business in the future without a green licence to ensure environment-friendly and international standards, Industries and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting various ship recycling yards in Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Monday, July 6.

He said the government is working to make the country's ship recycling industry safer, more competitive and environment-friendly by following international standards. Entrepreneurs will be provided with necessary infrastructure, technical and policy support to achieve this goal.

He noted that Bangladesh was once at the top of the global ship recycling industry. Although that position has temporarily slipped, the government is working to restore the leadership position. Currently, 31 ship recycling yards in the country are operating with green licences, maintaining international environmental standards. Institutions that have not yet obtained this licence must also come up to the same standard.

He said that while there were criticisms of environmental pollution, worker insecurity and unhealthy working conditions in the industry in the past, green yards are now scientifically recycling ships.

On extortion, administrative complications or law and order issues in the industry, Muktadir said the government will seriously consider any obstacles faced by businessmen. If necessary, concerned ministries, law enforcement agencies and local administration will be instructed to take swift action.

On the energy crisis, the minister said there is currently a daily gas shortage of about 1,600 million cubic feet. While the crisis cannot be resolved immediately, the government is implementing special programmes to keep gas supply normal in industrial areas. Initiatives have also been taken to resolve policy issues in economic zones and the industrial sector.

Representatives of the Ship Recycling Industry Owners Association and concerned administration officials were present during the visit.