Rizwana calls for greater accountability, stricter enforcement of environ laws

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and greater accountability in the country's shipbreaking industry.

Speaking at a workshop on the 'National Regulatory Framework for Ship Recycling and Hazardous Waste Management in Bangladesh' at a city hotel, she also warned that without reforms, the country risks becoming a dumping ground for hazardous waste.

Highlighting the human and environmental costs of the industry, she stressed that shipbreaking must not continue at the expense of human lives and urged the authorities to strictly enforce High Court directives prohibiting shipbreaking on tidal beach areas.

"We cannot justify keeping this industry alive if it fails to meet global safety and environmental standards. The directives of the High Court, upheld by the Supreme Court, cannot and must not be ignored," she stated.

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and its Secretary Zakia Sultana, and Norwegian Ambassador to Dhaka Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, also spoke at the programme.

"In the garment industry, foreign buyers ensure that labour standards are met. In contrast, shipbreaking owners evade their legal responsibility for cleaning up hazardous waste."

Criticising weak regulations that allow hazardous waste to be dumped in Bangladesh, she stated, "The effectiveness of legislation in global trade depends on how all stakeholders fulfil their roles. If exporters and shipowners do not adhere to international regulations, expecting a country with weak enforcement like Bangladesh to manage the consequences is unrealistic."

The environment adviser further underscored the need for credible legal regulations on waste declarations, warning that workers dismantling these ships remain unaware of the toxic risks they face.

However, she noted that instead of enforcing accountability, the industry is being "green washed" and legitimised under weak regulations. She also criticised the industries ministry for permitting shipbreaking despite ongoing environmental violations and revealed that certain yards continue to operate without valid environmental clearance.

Munni_fe@yahoo.com