Bangladesh has underscored its commitment towards building on the gains made in the ship recycling industry to align operations with requirements of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which entered into force on 26 June 2025.
The sentiment was expressed during a series of meetings between the Project Coordination Unit of the International Maritime Organization’s SENSREC Project and senior government officials held in Dhaka on 26 October 2025, ahead of a closing workshop later in the week that will mark the end of the project’s third phase.
Mr. Md Obaidur Rahman, Secretary in the Ministry of Industries noted the strides made by SENSREC Bangladesh, and specifically highlighted progress towards conducting a feasibility study for a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for managing hazardous waste from the ship recycling industry in Chittagong. Secretary Rahman further expressed support for a planned investment conference to be hosted by SENSREC at the Hong Kong Maritime Week in November, noting that new investment would assist Bangladesh in fulling its commitment to improved processes and good practice in ship recycling.
According to the Director General of the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB), Mr. ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder, the emphasis on training and the adoption of new technology in the sector would be the main drivers for improving safety standards for workers. When he hosted the SENSREC PCU at the BSRB office, Mr. Talukder expressed support for the upcoming feasibility study for a TSDF, saying that the activity reinforces IMO’s SENSREC project as a flagship initiative.
During a courtesy call on Dr. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, he expressed the importance of his ministry joining SENSREC’s Executive Committee in the project’s next phase as increased emphasis is placed on labour-related subjects such as capacity development for safety inspections, worker relations and social security. He highlighted the need for effective inspection of facilities, training for inspectors and the use of modern personal protective equipment. Dr. Bhuiyan said he looked forward to collaboration on skills enhancement in downstream industries.
At a meeting with Mr. Md Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary in the Bangladesh Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, he stressed the importance of sustainable environmental management in designated ship recycling zones. Mr. Hasan underlined the importance of enhanced collaboration between the ministries engaged in ship recycling.
A recurring theme during the meetings was the need for an integrated, coordinated approach between the various government ministries and other partners to support development of the ship recycling industry as SENSREC Project moves toward Phase 4.
The formal Phase 3 closing workshop and wider Steering Committee meeting are scheduled for the later in the week, followed by an inception workshop for Phase 4, which aims to promote social dialogue and engage government, employers and workers with the aim of mainstreaming Good Labour Practices across the entire supply chain, strengthening labour inspection systems, advancing occupational safety and health frameworks, and fostering sound industrial relations.