Shipyard Owner Denies Workplace Injury in Worker's Death; Probe Underway

A shipbreaking yard worker died early today at a private hospital in Chattogram, seven days after reportedly falling ill while working at the Baraka Shipbreaking and Recycling Yard. Md Alauddin, 51, a fitter at the yard, passed away around 5:00 AM while receiving treatment in the hospital's intensive care unit, according to Sohel Parvez, an inspector with the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).

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We want an administrative investigation to establish the actual cause of his death.

Labour leaders asserted that Alauddin sustained injuries and experienced pain in his spine after falling at the yard on August 16. Fazlul Kabir Mintu, a labor leader and member of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum, stated they received information about Alauddin's injury at the yard and called for an administrative investigation to determine the actual cause of his death.

However, the authorities at the shipbreaking yard have denied that Alauddin was injured while on duty. Shamsul Alam, owner of Baraka Shipbreaking Yard, claimed that Alauddin had developed heart complications, and his condition worsened, leading to his death. Alam also alleged that some labor leaders were making unsubstantiated claims for their own benefit.

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Alauddin had developed heart complications and died after his condition worsened early today.

DIFE inspector Sohel Parvez confirmed that his department has requested the death certificate, detailing the cause of death, and other relevant medical documents from the hospital. "After receiving the documents, we will take the next steps in accordance with the law," Parvez stated. This incident follows a previous tragedy on August 14, where 10 workers died in a toxic gas incident at Ferdous Shipbreaking and Recycling Industries in Sitakunda.

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After receiving the documents, we will take the next steps in accordance with the law.