The government is committed to maintaining international standards in the shipbreaking industry, said Shipping and Labour Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday after inspecting ship-recycling operations at the KSRM Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram district, he said necessary support will be provided to transform all ship-recycling yards into green shipyards.
The adviser said 14 yards in Chattogram have already been certified as green shipyards under the Hong Kong Convention, with several others in the pipeline.
“Those who have failed to meet international standards must close operations,” he warned, assuring government support to help non-compliant yards improve.
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Emphasising environmental protection, the adviser reiterated the government's commitment to upholding global standards in the shipbreaking sector.
He also instructed yard owners to ensure international-standard safety and working conditions for workers in the industry.
Dr Sakhawat said the government will procure three new vessels for Bangladesh Shipping Corporation to boost revenue as part the government’s initiative to enhance capacity in the shipping sector.
Later, he visited the Bangladesh Military Academy.