Operations at Ferdous Shipyard in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram, have been halted across the entire yard following a worker’s death from toxic gas, raising fresh concerns about a severe crisis in the shipbreaking industry. The report, published on August 23, 2026, said business owners and entrepreneurs were concerned that investigations after the accident had brought all yard activities to a standstill.

Owners said several government investigation agencies had verbally instructed them to stop work throughout the yard, although it was unclear which authority had issued the instruction in writing. They said permits from agencies including the Department of Environment and the Department of Explosives for other vessels in the yard were nearing expiry, while renewal was not easy despite the shutdown.

Former Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recycling Association president Amjad Hossain Chowdhury said work on the vessel involved in the accident could remain suspended during the investigation, but questioned stopping work on other ships. He said active yards in Sitakunda had declined from 124 to 35-38 amid losses, bank debt and administrative complications. Owners also cited ongoing salary payments and accumulating bank interest as major financial pressures.