Process simplified to cut complexities in ship industry, directive to establish TSDF quickly

These decisions were announced at a meeting of the committee to review laws, rules and policies related to the ship recycling industry at the Secretariat on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintu. Commerce and Industry Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan participated in it.

Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh must move ahead on the basis of capacity compared with competitor countries to secure purchase orders in the international market. He stressed simplifying and speeding up approvals and other processes to create an environment suitable for foreign buyers. To this end, a special committee under his leadership and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) are working.

The meeting discussed ship waste management, yard modernization, environmental standards, and reducing delays. In particular, emphasis was placed on reducing the 45 to 60-day delay by arranging approval of relevant clearances and files from Chattogram itself.

Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintu said that due to the absence of TSDF, European ship-related parties are hesitant to work in Bangladesh. Therefore, infrastructure for waste treatment, storage and disposal must be built quickly while maintaining environmental standards.

Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan said the working group of the one-stop service platform has started working to make ship recycling activities dynamic. Work is also underway to decentralize the green yard guidelines and the Department of Environment's clearance process, in line with the Hong Kong Convention.

The Commerce Minister said the Hong Kong Convention will be implemented by maintaining a balance between environmental protection and the industry's economic potential. Along with ensuring environmental standards, efforts will continue to upgrade the ship recycling sector to international standards by eliminating unnecessary procedural complexities.