Closed shipyards to reopen after ensuring workers’ safety: Labour Minister

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has stressed ensuring workers’ safety and better working conditions alongside industrial expansion and job creation.

Speaking during a visit to PHP Shipyard and Kabir Steel Recycling Yard in Sitakunda’s Shitalpur on Thursday, he said closed shipyards would be reopened only after ensuring workers’ safety.

The minister inspected the facilities and reviewed workers’ safety measures and working conditions. He also assured that necessary steps would be taken to reopen Ferdous Steel Shipyard in Bhatiary, which was shut after an accident killed 10 workers. Around 50 workers have been left unemployed.

“More industrial establishments are needed to create employment opportunities,” Ariful Haque said, stressing that industrial growth must go hand in hand with workers’ safety and improved working conditions.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, Additional District Commissioner Mahbub Alam and Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association President Md Mohsin, among others, were present.

-AJM