Published : 15 Aug 2026, 02:30 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:32 AM
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury says that action will be taken based on the investigation panel’s report on the death of eight people due to toxic gas at the shipbreaking yard in Chattogram’s Sitakunda.
Eight people were killed and five injured in a toxic gas leak at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Station Road of Bhatiari Union on Friday morning.
During an inspection at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on Friday afternoon, Khosru told the media: “This is very tragic. So far, the bodies of eight people have arrived at the medical facility. We do not yet have all of the information. One person with injuries is here too. An investigation committee will be formed on the matter.
“Actions will be taken based on the findings of the committee. There is no bias here; it is the government's duty to conduct a thorough investigation and ascertain the facts. All necessary measures will be taken to uncover it.”
Asked whether such accidents at a shipbreaking yard would have a negative impact on the industry, the finance minister said: “Since this government took office, we have emphasised compliance with green yard requirements. Inspections are ongoing. It is the Hong Kong Charter which determines the grading.
“The government does not do this. The Hong Kong Charter has some criteria that if follows and they provide the green yard certificate.”
The Hong Kong Charter provides green yard certification based on certain criteria.
Khosru said, "It is the government's responsibility to determine if there were any compliance deficiencies, and if so, to take appropriate action.”
The Bangladesh Shipbreakers and Recyclers Association is providing Tk 1 million to the families of each victim, the finance minister said.
“The government will also contribute in some manner,” he said.
At 8pm on Friday, Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board Director General ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder told bdnews24.com: “The district administration has already formed a nine-member investigation committee. The Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) has formed another investigation committee.
“Another investigation committee will be formed by our Ministry of Industries. The Army and Fire Service are still working at that shipbreaking yard. We will inspect it tomorrow.”
As of 8pm on Friday, eight people have been confirmed dead due to toxic gas at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard.
