HC seeks report on action over 183 shipbreaking workers’ death

The High Court Division on Tuesday directed the government to submit reports by January 5 about its action after deaths of 183 workers in accidents at shipbreaking yards in Chattogram.

The court directed the government to submit the report detailing the compliance status of 83 shipbreaking yards along with environmental clearance certificates, and explaining whether or not any impartial committee was formed to investigate the accidents.

The court directed the labour and employment ministry’s secretary and the chief inspector of the factories and establishment to inform about all the measures taken by 83 shipbreaking yards for treatment, compensation and rehabilitation for the accident victims.

As respondents, secretaries of ministries of industries, labour and employment, and forest and environment, the Department of Environment’s director general, the chief inspector of the factories and establishment, and the Department of Explosives’ chief were asked to submit the report.

The court said it would give further order on the matter on January 7.

The bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman issued the directive after hearing a supplementary application filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association in July.

At least 183 workers were killed and 68 others were injured in 195 accidents in 83 shipbreaking yards from November 11, 2009 to July 3, 2019, according to BELA’s investigation report submitted to the court by its lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

Rizwana submitted 183 workers would not die in accidents in shipbreaking industries if the government implemented the High Court directives of March 5 and 17 in 2009 to regulate the shipbreaking industries and ensure safety to workers.

Rizwana was assisted by her junior Sayeed Kabir.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net