A plume of smoke rises from an oil tanker that exploded on December 26 last year at a ship-breaking yard in Sitakunda that left six people dead. Photo: Star/File

The prime minister also expressed her resentment over plundering of coastal green belt for setting up of ship-breaking yard at Sitakunda in Chittagong and concern over the accidents occurred very often at the ship-breaking yards causing loss of invaluable lives.

"We are not against the ship-breaking industry. But, it should not be at the cost of environment. We are against disorderly activities," the prime minister said.

The premier was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 51st Convention of Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) at the IEB Chittagong Centre in the port city.

The PM also put emphasised on environment protection and simultaneous development of industrial sector and warned the plunderers of trees and environment of stern action on violation of the rules.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the IEB Convention with the slogan "Sustainable Technology for Digital Bangladesh" The premier called upon the engineers to play the leading role in the application of measures to build up the country as prosperous Digital Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty by the year 2021.

In the present-day world progress and advancement of country lie in the development and successful application of science and technology, she observed.

The government would surely play policy-making role and provide all out support for the newer engineering and technology innovations, said the prime minister.