The government has taken steps to simplify approval procedures and remove institutional complexities to improve the international competitiveness of Bangladesh's shipbuilding and ship recycling industries.
The issues were raised at a meeting on Tuesday of a committee formed to review existing laws, rules, and policies related to ship recycling and make recommendations.
The meeting discussed ship waste management, yard modernization, environmental compliance, and delays in obtaining approvals.
Commerce, Textiles and Jute, and Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh would have to compete with other countries to secure ship orders in the international market.
He stressed simplifying domestic procedures by considering policies followed by advanced shipbuilding nations.
He said a special committee was working to simplify rules, with Invest Bangladesh also involved.
He also raised concerns over financing and stalled loans in the shipbuilding sector, saying efforts should focus on overcoming current difficulties rather than dwelling on old loan complications.
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo instructed the speedy establishment of a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility for waste management.
He said the lack of the facility discouraged parties associated with European ships from working in Bangladesh, prompting them to choose other destinations.
He said European ships contained high-quality recyclable materials, and Bangladesh needed appropriate facilities to attract them.
He also pointed to the demand for scrap in the housing and re-rolling industries, stressing the need to balance compliance with international conventions with keeping industrial activities running.
The meeting emphasized processing files and approvals locally in Chattogram to avoid 45–60-day delays in obtaining clearances.
Muktadir said Bangladesh would attach importance to implementing the Hong Kong Convention and that gaps or ambiguities could be addressed through a national certificate.
He added that the process for rapid TSDF implementation was already underway.
Mintoo presided over the meeting, while State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Majumder, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Liaquat Ali Molla, and senior officials were also present.
Financial Mirror/AH
