"125 Shipbreaking Yards Shut in Sitakunda, But Applications for New Zones Persist"

In 2021, there were 150 shipbreaking yards along the Sitakunda coastline in Chattogram. The Ministry of Industries approved 105 of these yards to be developed into environmentally friendly (green) facilities. So far, only seven yards have received green certification, and another 17 are in progress. However, many of the other yards have ceased operations, leaving behind just land and limited machinery. These yards are located in seven mouzas along the coastline, and with most of them now inactive, there are efforts to expand the shipbreaking region.

Several individuals have requested 200 acres of land in Boalia Mouza for new shipbreaking yards. Though this application was first submitted a decade ago, it has only recently been forwarded to the Ministry. Local residents fear the expansion could worsen environmental pollution and damage the beaches of Akilpur. The Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) opposes the expansion, arguing that instead of creating new yards, the government should assist in reviving the closed ones.

The Ministry of Industries had earlier designated seven mouzas for shipbreaking in 2011, aiming to reduce pollution and ensure safe working conditions. Among the applicants, Abul Kashem, the owner of several yards, has requested permission to establish a new yard in Boalia. Kashem has expressed frustration over the delay in the approval process, despite his claim that the area is suitable for a green facility. His application has recently gained momentum with the change in government, and the District Administration has forwarded it to the Ministry with recommendations.

The District Administration has proposed allocating a smaller area than initially requested and has recommended further investigation, as part of the land falls under a project by the Bangladesh Water Development Board. Kashem insists that the development would protect broken embankments and benefit the country, not just his business. Since 2021, the BSBRA has repeatedly called for a halt to the expansion of shipbreaking zones.