There are institutional and operational weaknesses across the value chain in handling dangerous chemicals at Inland Container Depots (ICDs) - this needs to be addressed immediately, said a study of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Therefore, CPD recommended that a central authority monitor effective functioning of the laws, rules, protocol and other related compliances.
It also suggested a separate chemical handling framework apart from those of ICDs, National Board of Revenue, Customs, Fire Service and Civil Defence, Department of Environment, Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments, Boiler Authority, and Bangladesh Navy.
"Chemical handling laws, rules and provisions are also required to be summed into a framework," said CPD Research Director Dr Golam Moazzem, also lead researcher of the study.
To disseminate the findings of the study, the think tank organised a media briefing, titled 'Industrial Safety in International Trade of Chemicals and Dangerous Goods: Experience of Chittagong Inland Container Depot (ICD) Accident,' at its office in Dhaka on Wednesday.
CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun chaired the event, while Christian Aid Bangladesh Programme Manager Nuzhat Jabin and CPD research intern Jebunnesa Jeba attended the briefing.
Dr Golam Moazzem said the risk of industrial safety concerning hazardous chemicals was not only limited to inland container depots, but also to the whole value chain from production, transportation, storage to shipments.
Presenting the study paper, Mr Moazzem said the government should ensure safety at every stage of the value chain in handling chemicals and hazardous products.
The study was initiated following a massive fire incident at the container depot in Sitakunda, Chittagong on June 04 which left 49 dead and more than 300 injured.
CPD said the authorities concerned appeared to bypass their due-diligence in ensuring compliance. Therefore, the think tank urged the government to develop safety protocols for both import and export of hazardous chemicals.
Replying to a question, Dr Moazzem said nothing had changed following the Sitakunda incident, and there would be uncontainable damage if another fire incident happens at any ICDs.
Factory monitoring and inspection, and coordinated actions from the authorities will ensure the safety, he noted.
He said the Sitakunda fire had raised questions about safety in emerging industries in the country.
The safety protocol maintained by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) with regard to hazardous chemicals seems to be inadequate, Dr Moazzem added.
