Dhaka: Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin has urged Qawmi Madrasah scholars to take an active role in the management of rawhides from sacrificial animals, emphasizing their potential as a significant national resource. He addressed these concerns while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting at Jamia Madania Baridhara Madrasah in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bashir Uddin highlighted the economic potential of rawhides, noting that proper management could result in substantial contributions to the country’s economy. He pointed out that each year, a significant amount of animal skins collected during Eid-ul-Adha is wasted due to mismanagement and lack of public awareness.
The adviser called upon religious leaders, local administration, and all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing this issue. He emphasized the influential role religious scholars hold in society and urged them to raise public awareness to prevent wastage. The government has implemented special measures this year to involve religious leaders in efficiently handling the hides of sacrificial animals.
Bashir Uddin also discussed international trade developments, revealing that the Chinese Commerce Minister is visiting Bangladesh with a business delegation to explore trade opportunities. The government has temporarily lifted the ban on hide exports for three months to take advantage of these opportunities. He mentioned that while the preference is not to export raw hides, export options may be considered if fair prices are not assured in the local market, noting Bangladesh’s potential to supply up to 3.5 percent of the global demand for hides.
The meeting was chaired by Jamia Madania Baridhara Madrasah Muhtamim Mufti Monir Hossain Qasemi and featured contributions from Dhaka Additional Deputy Commissioner Shamim Hossain, Khilgaon Madrasa Muhtamim Maulana Zahurul Islam, Dakshingaon Sabujbagh Madrasa Muhtamim Maulana Sabbir Ahmed, Mufti Jaber Qasemi, and Mufti Abdul Malek.