Ship breaking employs estimated 50,000 people in Bangladesh

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Ship breaking employs estimated 50,000 people in Bangladesh

Ship breaking, the process of dismantling decommissioned cargo vessels, is a major industry in Bangladesh. It employs about 50,000 people and generates billions of dollars in revenue. But it involves back-breaking labour for people who work under lax safety regulations, with many low-paid workers complaining of chronic health effects. Randolph Nogel reports.

May 21, 2025