Widow says compensation offers little solace after shipbreaking death

Suborna Akter, a 29-year-old widow, stated that the compensation offered to her family following her husband's death in a shipbreaking accident provides little solace for an uncertain future. Her husband, Abdul Alim Sujon, was among 10 workers killed in the August 14 accident at Ferdous Steel in Sitakunda, Chattogram.

"This money will give us security for some time. But when I think about the future of my two children and myself, this money is nothing. It cannot bring my husband back," Suborna said, holding her two young sons. Sujon, 39, was the family's sole breadwinner and worked as a safety officer. The family lived in a rented house in Sitakunda.

“

This money will give us security for some time. But when I think about the future of my two children and myself, this money is nothing. It cannot bring my husband back.

Suborna described their life as happy despite difficulties, but August 14 turned her world upside down. She is now planning to return to her native Pabna, feeling traumatized and unsure how she will rebuild her life. "I have to think about my children. They have lost their father at an age when they still need him for everything. Now I have to struggle," she added.

On Sunday, Ferdous Steel distributed compensation cheques to the families of all 10 victims. Each family is entitled to Tk 10 lakh. Tk 1 lakh was paid at the time of burial, Tk 7 lakh was given through cheques, and the remaining Tk 2 lakh will be disbursed soon through the Department of Labour, according to company officials and labor inspectors.

“

I have to think about my children. They have lost their father at an age when they still need him for everything. Now I have to struggle.