Savar: Industries, Commerce and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today stated that the move to relocate the tannery industry from Hazaribagh to Savar was justified, though the relocation process was marred by mismanagement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted that industries generating substantial waste should be established in areas with adequate effluent treatment facilities. He mentioned that while the decision to move the tanneries to Harindhara in Savar was appropriate, the execution of this decision was flawed. This statement was made during his inspection of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the BSCIC Leather Industrial Estate in Harindhara, Savar.
The minister pointed out that the relocation was characterized by mismanagement, which led to the effluent treatment plant not operating at its intended capacity. Additionally, many tannery operators faced challenges in sustaining their businesses throughout the relocation process. He noted that not all relocated industries survived, with several disappearing during the transition.
Minister Abdul Muktadir emphasized the government’s current efforts to restore the CETP to its intended daily treatment capacity of 25,000 cubic metres. He mentioned that the government is assessing necessary improvements for the treatment plant and considering measures for chromium recovery.
Furthermore, the minister addressed the issue of tannery enterprises that became inactive or marginally operational after the relocation. He stated that the government is exploring strategies to revive these enterprises and make them profitable again. In situations where owners have lost interest or financial capacity, the government is looking at attracting new investors.
Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman and BSCIC Chairman Md Saiful Islam, along with other senior officials, accompanied the minister during the visit.