Dhaka: BNP acting Secretary General and Prime Minister's Adviser on Industries Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday stated that many properties of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) are deteriorating due to insufficient oversight. 'The purpose for which BSCIC was established has not received due attention. Many properties in BSCIC industrial estates in different districts are being neglected and deteriorating due to a lack of proper monitoring,' he said during the inauguration of a five-day Leather and Leather Goods Fair 2026 organized by BSCIC at its auditorium.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the fair will run from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily until September 20. Rizvi emphasized the potential for establishing more factories and enterprises on vacant BSCIC lands, which currently lack adequate attention for utilization. He urged all concerned parties, including ministry officials, to collaborate in revitalizing BSCIC.
Rizvi highlighted the struggles faced by many young people in finding jobs after completing their studies, suggesting that BSCIC estates could provide opportunities to establish small factories near their homes, such as honey-processing units and chocolate factories. He pointed out that unlocking these opportunities could reveal significant potential.
The adviser also underscored the importance of establishing BSCIC industrial estates in every district to strengthen local economies by supporting entrepreneurs. He noted that reviving the production of traditional products like footwear could contribute to self-reliance.
Rizvi called for a focused government policy to prevent residential areas from developing near tannery facilities and stressed the importance of managing and recycling tannery waste to prevent environmental pollution. He noted that around 3.5 crore square feet of leather is processed annually, generating waste containing chemicals that could pollute water bodies if untreated.
He mentioned that while Bangladesh traditionally uses natural dyes, the prevalent use of chemical dyes poses risks to health and the environment. He advocated for separating chemicals from waste and recycling usable water before its release into water bodies to benefit the environment.
The inaugural programme was chaired by BSCIC Chairman Benazir Ahmed, with Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan attending as a special guest. BSCIC organized the fair to develop the domestic leather industry, expand markets, and create direct interactions between entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Entrepreneurs from across the country are showcasing a variety of leather and leather goods at the fair, with 49 stalls, including 43 for leather goods and five for food products. Participants include entrepreneurs trained at BSCIC's Design Centre and those from the traditional Hazaribagh leather industry.