Hong Kong Convention Rules Ignored as Workers Face Lethal Hazards

The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2009, became enforceable in Bangladesh on 26 June 2025. Its purpose is to prevent human‑health risks, protect workers, and safeguard the environment during ship‑breaking.

Despite the legal framework, Bangladesh’s Environmental Lawyers Association argues that the current compliance measures are insufficient. They call for the adoption of stricter Basel Convention standards, which impose tighter controls on hazardous waste handling. The recent spate of accidents, including crane collapses and gas explosions, underscores the need for more rigorous enforcement.