Bangladesh’s HKC Implementation: In Conversation with the Director General of BSRB

In this special episode of the GMS Podcast, we speak with ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder, Director General of the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB). In this podcast, Mr. Talukder offers valuable insight into how Bangladesh is implementing the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) following its entry into force on June 26, 2025.

Dr. Anand Hiremath, CEO of the Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP), hosts this conversation focused on regulatory progress and industry readiness in one of the world’s largest ship recycling hubs.

Key points discussed in this episode include:

• The current status of HKC implementation in Bangladesh

• Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) requirements and enforcement mechanisms

• Rollout of DASR (Document of Authorization to conduct Ship Recycling) and the approval process

• Introduction of a proposed One-Window System for all ship recycling clearances

• Coordination with the Ministry of Industries, Department of Environment, Customs, and other stakeholders

• The roadmap to achieving more than 100 HKC-compliant yards by 2030

• Improvements in hazardous waste infrastructure and TSDF (Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility) setup

• Health, safety, training, and insurance initiatives for workers

• The role of international support from IMO, JICA, and the Government of Norway

• Regional alignment and knowledge sharing with India, Pakistan, and Turkey

This episode highlights Bangladesh’s efforts to align ship recycling regulations with global standards while enhancing environmental performance and worker safety.

As one of the most significant recycling destinations globally, Bangladesh’s progress is key to the Convention’s success. This episode documents a vital step in making responsible and transparent ship recycling a global norm.

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