Ship Recycling Industry: Govt forms body to facilitate OECD peer review

The government has formed an inter-agency committee to facilitate the upcoming peer review of Bangladesh's ship-recycling industry to be conducted in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aiming to align the sector with international maritime benchmarks, sources said.

According to an office order issued by the Ministry of Industries, the committee has been constituted to coordinate and support the OECD-led assessment of activities related to Bangladesh's ship breaking and recycling sector.

The order states that the committee will assist in organising the OECD peer review, which will evaluate ongoing initiatives and compliance efforts in the country's ship recycling industry.

An additional secretary of the Ministry of Industries responsible for ship recycling will serve as the chairperson of the committee.

The committee includes representatives from several key government bodies and agencies involved in maritime, environmental, and labour oversight. These include officials from the ministries of shipping and commerce, the Department of Environment, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, and the Bangladesh Navy.

Representatives from the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), Customs House Chattogram, and the Central Stores Depot (CSD) of the Bangladesh Navy in Chattogram have also been included in the committee.

In addition, the Bangladesh Shipbreakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) will be represented in the body, reflecting the participation of industry stakeholders in the review process.

Officials said the committee will coordinate with relevant agencies, collect necessary information, and facilitate meetings and site visits required for the OECD peer review process.

Bangladesh hosts one of the world's largest ship recycling industries, largely concentrated along the coast of Chattogram.

The government has been working to improve environmental compliance, labour safety, and regulatory standards in the sector in line with international conventions and global best practices.

The OECD peer review is expected to assess progress in these areas and provide recommendations for further strengthening governance and sustainability in the country's ship recycling industry, officials added.

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