Dhaka, July 7 -- The government is working to restore Bangladesh's position as the world's leading ship recycling nation by promoting environmentally compliant ship recycling yards and addressing the policy and operational challenges facing the industry, Industries Minister Khandaker Abul Moktadir said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Yard in Sitakunda, he said the sector has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, overcoming longstanding criticism over environmental and labour standards.

"There was a time when ship recycling was viewed negatively because of environmental concerns, labour exploitation and poor working conditions. Today's reality is completely different,"...