The Legal Frameworks for the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous Waste in Developing Nations' Ship Decommissioning Sector: A Comparative Analysis between Bangladesh and Indian Regimes.

Bangladesh is a leading player in the global ship decommissioning industry, offering significant support to shipowners worldwide by providing an economically feasible means of disposal for end-of-life vessels. However, properly handling and disposing of hazardous waste from ship recycling activities remains a significant concern for local and international communities. Bangladesh and India, the top two ship recycling states, have ratified the relevant international conventions, the Basel Convention and the Hong Kong Convention, that are designed to ensure safe and environmentally sound shipbreaking and management of hazardous waste, respectively. A gap analysis of shipbreaking waste management practices in Bangladesh and India reveals an ineffective implementation of national waste policy; fragmented and unclear responsibilities for important actors; a lack of technical guidelines; and an inadequate policy for Bangladesh's hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. The article suggests restructuring Bangladesh's legislation on shipbreaking hazardous waste management based on India's extensive expertise in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]