Jashore: Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today highlighted a prevailing anarchy in the country’s leather sector over the last 15 years during the previous regime, which resulted in a significant decline in the industry. “But, the interim government has been working to dismantle the syndicate in this sector that had grown over the years,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Commerce Adviser made these remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the management activities of rawhides of sacrificial animals at Rajarhat in Jashore, recognized as the largest rawhide trading center in the southern and western regions of the country. Bashir emphasized that the initial focus was on protecting the rights of orphanages and madrasahs by ensuring a fair price for rawhides.
He further mentioned that steps are being taken with consideration for the overall future and interests of the country’s leather sector. The government is actively working nationwide to dismantle the syndicate within the leather sector to rejuvenate it.
Additionally, Bashir has been personally visiting various parts of the country, and a control room is operational to support these efforts, as stated in a press release from the Commerce Ministry. Listing several government initiatives to ensure fair pricing of rawhides, Bashir noted that 7.50 lakh maunds of salt have been provided to preserve rawhides properly, and Taka 220 crore has been disbursed to tannery owners ahead of Holy Eid-ul-Azha to enhance their capacity.
Bashir asserted that the interim government’s actions in the leather sector are unprecedented and expressed confidence that the desired goals can be achieved with concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Present at the event were Jashore Deputy Commissioner Azhar Islam and Superintendent of Police Rownak Jahan.