Ship breakers seek govt steps to extend time by five years.

They also called on the government to re-categorize the industry to orange from existing red, saying that they need an additional 2-3 months to get cutting permission from the environment ministry only for this categorization. The industry stakeholders raised the demands at a roundtable titled ‘Challenges and Possibilities of Ship Recycling in Bangladesh’, organised by Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) at a city hotel. Former commerce minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Norway Ambassador in Dhaka Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen …Read More

Awareness Campaigns: Promoting Occupational Health, Safety, and Empowerment in the Shipbreaking Industry

Raising awareness among shipbreaking workers is a vital part of YPSA’s Green Ship Recycling Project. Located along the coastal belt of Sitakunda in Chattogram, the shipbreaking industry employs thousands of workers in one of the world’s most labor-intensive and hazardous sectors. The nature of the work—such as dismantling heavy steel structures and handling toxic substances—demands a high level of awareness about occupational health and safety (OHS). YPSA organizes regular awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing workers’ understanding of their health and …Read More

Cultural Events: Promoting Mental Wellbeing Through Music, Performance, and Professional Support

Shipbreaking workers endure long hours of physically demanding and hazardous work, often from early morning until evening. Recognizing the crucial link between mental wellbeing and overall worker engagement, YPSA believes that fostering emotional health through recreational and cultural activities is essential for improving workers’ confidence, morale, and productivity. In addition to providing healthcare services, YPSA organizes folk music programs as part of its comprehensive approach to worker welfare. These events feature live performances by local folk artists, offering workers a …Read More

Friendly Meeting with Workers: Promoting Rights, Welfare, and Dialogue in Bangladesh’s Shipbreaking Industry

The coastal belt of Sitakunda in Chattogram, Bangladesh, is home to the world’s second-largest shipbreaking industry, spanning approximately 18 kilometers. This sector provides direct and indirect employment to nearly one million people, making it a vital source of livelihood for the region. However, the industry is also fraught with numerous challenges related to worker safety, rights, and wellbeing. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible ship recycling, YPSA’s Green Ship Recycling Project has been actively working to …Read More

YPSA’s Training of Trainers Program: Ensuring Safe Handling of Asbestos in Shipbreaking Yards

YPSA has organized eight TOTs on Safe handling of asbestos for the ship recycling workers of Bangladesh. YPSA successfully trained 200 workers on the safe handling of asbestos by conducting eight comprehensive training sessions across various shipbreaking yards. This one of the unique and first ever activities of such kinds by NGOs like YPSA. YPSA with the collaboration of BSBRA (Owner’s Association) have been organizing these TOTs for developing the capacities of the workers in line with the national and …Read More

Our goal is ‘zero deaths’

Once seen as an adversary by yard owners, YPSA now collaborates with workers and owners to transform the shipbreaking yards of Chattogram into safer and greener spaces. Muhammed Ali Shahin, assistant director of YPSA and focal person for its Shipbreaking Campaign, reflects on the organisation’s journey, the challenges it had to overcome, its achievements and its goals for the future Since 2000, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) has been working to improve labour conditions, enhance worker skills, promote welfare …Read More

YPSA organized a cycling rally to raise awareness and safeguard the safety of the shipbreaking yard in Sitakund.

YPSA organized a cycle rally from Faujdarhat ship recycling yard area to Akilpur ship recycling yard with the participation of volunteers on Friday June 14. Volunteers cycle through the entire shipbreaking area. Volunteers distributed 10 different types of sub-standard yard safety posters and festoons and spoke to yard caretakers, managers and explained the benefits of development of green yards. The volunteers also met various yard officers and explained how to properly manage their waste. The rally draws public attention to …Read More

YPSA Organized Fire safety training and Fire Drill to enhance fire safety skills of shipbreaking workers

A fire safety training and drill was held at SN Corporation Ship Recycling Yard, a green yard, in Shitalpur area of Sitdakunda upazila in Chattogram on Thursday, May 16. Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), an organization for sustainable development, organized the training program to develop the skills of the workers Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) K.M. Rafiqul Islam addressed the inaugural ceremony of the program as chief guest. Chaired by YPSA Coordinator Mohammad Ali Shahin, the program was also …Read More

May Day 2024 celebrated by YPSA

Workers-owners will build the country, Bangladesh will be smart Keeping this theme in mind today on 1st May organization for sustainable development organized a colorful rally from Phultala Bazar area of ​​Bar Aulia in Sitakunda and discussion meeting with the participation of workers of various industries and local people from all walks of life. YPSA Coordinator Mohammad Ali Shahin was present as the chief guest in the meeting. He said, Bangladesh’s long-term action plans to ensure labor rights and safe …Read More

DIFE and YPSA jointly celebrate the National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2024

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and YPSA jointly celebrate the National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2024 in Chattogram on Sunday. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Healthy Workers, Beautiful Work Environment, Building a Smart Bangladesh.” The program was held at the Chattogram Zila Shilpokola Academy. The chief guest of the event was Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Md. Sadi Ur Rahim Javed, who represented the Divisional Commissioner. The special guests included Md. Giyas …Read More