Dhaka: Industries, Commerce, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today announced that the government has launched comprehensive initiatives, both short and long-term, to modernize and sustainably develop the leather sector, aiming to transform it into a significant source of national income.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the importance the government places on the leather industry to harness its full economic potential. The Ministry of Industries and the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) are set to provide essential policy and implementation support to advance the sector. Muktadir’s comments came during the ninth Taskforce meeting on leather industry development, held at the Ministry of Industries conference room in the city, as stated in a press release.
Muktadir underscored the need for effective management of raw hides and directed the authorities to prevent wastage. He outlined plans to organize the entire process, from animal slaughter to hide marketing, within a disciplined framework. The minister also highlighted that training programs for religious institutions and orphanages have been arranged ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, focusing on proper skinning, preservation, and quality maintenance techniques.
Addressing the modernization of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Muktadir stressed the necessity of meeting international compliance standards to ensure the leather sector’s global competitiveness and profitability. For the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate, he instructed authorities to maintain an uninterrupted power supply and bolster security measures to ensure a stable production environment.
Muktadir also addressed financial concerns raised by the Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA), urging the Financial Institutions Division (FID) and Bangladesh Bank (BB) to provide easy-term bank loans and expedite financial assistance to keep the sector liquid.
The meeting saw attendance from State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman, and Commerce Secretary (Routine Duty) Md Abdur Rahim Khan. Taskforce members pledged their commitment to implementing the recommendations to create a modern, compliant, and profitable leather industry.