Families of Sitakunda Shipyard Victims to Receive Tk.10 Lakh Compensation

The families of the workers who tragically lost their lives to toxic gas exposure at a Sitakunda shipbreaking yard will receive Tk.10 lakh each in compensation. The fatal incident occurred during the dismantling of an LNG vessel at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Chattogram.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah announced the financial support on Friday while visiting Chattogram Medical College Hospital. After consoling the bereaved families and checking on the medical condition of the injured workers, he confirmed that the Bangladesh Shipbreakers and Recyclers Association will provide the designated funds.

Ensuring swift administrative action, the Deputy Commissioner noted that specialized inspection teams from the Bangladesh Army and the Department of Explosives have already been deployed to the accident site.

To guarantee accountability, a dedicated probe committee featuring industry experts will be formed immediately. "Once we receive the comprehensive investigation report and we will be able to determine whether proper workplace safety protocols were maintained at the yard" the Deputy Commissioner stated.

The immediate priority remains the medical care of the surviving workers alongside a thorough evaluation of the yard's environmental and operational safety standards.