Industrial environmental and safety issues in Bangladesh

Industrial sectors in Bangladesh are facing scrutiny over environmental impact and safety standards. In the garment sector, reports indicate that over 7,000 factories in the Dhaka area discharge approximately 2.4 billion litres of untreated effluent daily, contaminating local rivers. This pollution is linked to significant health risks, with the Lancet Commission estimating environmental damage accounts for 26.6% of deaths in the country. Despite some factories holding LEED-green certifications, critics point to weak enforcement and low penalties as barriers to proper waste management.

Similarly, the ship-breaking industry is facing allegations of ‘greenwashing’ following a series of fatal accidents. Although many yards hold ‘green’ status under the Hong Kong International Convention, recent incidents include a gas exposure event that killed nine workers at Firdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries. On August 14, 2026, these workers died after being exposed to toxic hydrogen sulphide gas while dismantling the LNG carrier MT Rasi in a confined tank.

Data from the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies shows 84 accidents, resulting in 15 deaths and 81 injuries, between June 2025 and August 2026. Common causes of these incidents include gas explosions, falling heavy objects, and equipment failures such as crane or wire malfunctions. These events suggest that existing environmental and safety certifications may not accurately reflect actual working conditions and risks.