Policy sought to help grow ship-breaking
Speakers at a seminar yesterday focused on a common policy that would help ship-breaking industry grow in the country giving equal emphasis on environment protection.
They stressed that the policy should made by listening to all stakeholders so the progress of the ship-breaking industry does not get stuck midway.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua assured, "Nobody will be able to impede the progress of the ship-breaking industry but the industry will have to be environment-friendly."
The minister was addressing as the chief guest the seminar on "Problems and prospects of iron and steel industry: Bangladesh perspective.''
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised the event at its conference room in the city yesterday.
State Minister for Environment and Forest Dr Hasan Mahmud said the government wants to work together with all concerned to help flourish the sector by protecting environment.
"We've to think of environment protection and flourishing of the sector simultaneously. We've to take up such a policy which won't impede the progress of the industry," he said, adding that the government is not an opponent to anybody rather it is complimentary.
Hasan Mahmud assured the ship-breakers of simplifying environment clearance certificate issuance without any delay.
FBCCI President AK Azad, who chaired the seminar, urged the government to withdraw import duty and increase income tax to help businesses grow in the country.
He said the government should prepare a people-friendly budget and urged not to impose tax burden on businesses that are contributing immensely to the country's economy.
The government can survive a five-year tenure but cannot hang on to power for a longer period unless it increases the civic facilities, he said.
Some of the stakeholders came down heavily on Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (Bela) and urged the government not to listen to this organisation for their "controversial observation".
"Stop Bela. They're our enemy. Bela will use court and stop ship-breaking in the country," said FBCCI member Jannatul Islam.
Abu Naser said they requested Bela officials to attend the seminar to have an open discussion on the issue. "But they didn't agree to attend it."
Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Morshed Murad Ibrahim, FBCCI First Vice President M Jasim Uddin, Vice President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu, and FBCCI Director M Helal Uddin, among others, took part in the discussion.
Adviser of Bangladesh Steel Mills Owners Association Dr M Bashir Ullah and Technical Adviser of Bangladesh Ship-breakers Association Capt Salah Uddin Ahmed presented papers at the seminar.
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