Hazaribagh’s transformation from stench to style – crafted in leather

For decades, Dhaka's Hazaribagh reeked of untreated chemicals. Residents and visitors held their breath as tannery waste choked the Buriganga, staining both its waters and the sky above.

Then, in 2018, after years of pressure, the government relocated the tanneries to Hemayetpur in Savar.

Hazaribagh exhaled.

Although the air still carries a trace of leather, but not the acidic sting. The scent speaks of craftsmanship.

In just seven years, Hazaribagh has transformed from a toxic industrial zone into a flourishing marketplace for leather goods – shoes, belts, bags, and more – all proudly labelled "Made in Hazaribagh". 

The area is now a place for savvy shoppers hunting for affordable, genuine leather products.

From rawhide to retail

Tanning leather is a messy, chemically intensive process – and never well suited to a densely packed city like Dhaka. When the factories left, many wondered what would become of the empty warehouses and workshops that once processed Bangladesh's raw hides.

Mohammad Shawon, once a tannery worker from Chuadanga, was one of them. 

"When the tanneries moved, I lost my job. But I realised – this is what I know best," he says. 

Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Shawon opened a small leather goods shop in 2022. He named it "DMD Leather Goods". 

Today, it's among the most popular stores in Hazaribagh's booming retail district.

Shawon's story isn't unique. Many former tannery workers have repurposed their skills to make high-quality leather products. These ex-labourers are now shop owners and manufacturers, fuelling a hyperlocal industry that has gained national attention and international promise.

Rise of brand identity

Stroll down Sher-e-Bangla Road today and one will find more than 160 leather goods shops.

"This might be the only market in Bangladesh where every shop sells leather. No clothes, no electronics – just leather," says Reza Khaled, president of the local shop owners' association. 

"We've made it a rule: if it's not real leather, it must be clearly labelled," he tells The Business Standard.

That authenticity has earned Hazaribagh a rare reputation. In 2021, the area had only 60 shops. That number has more than doubled, Khaled says, driven by public trust and social media marketing. 

Some shops now have dedicated factories; others source their goods from local producers. Either way, quality is consistent, and fakes are frowned upon.

Shoes, belts and everything between

Customers like Md Kamal, a mid-level office worker, now plan visits to Hazaribagh for his leather needs.

"I heard from colleagues that this is the best place to get genuine products without breaking the bank," he says while browsing for shoes and belts one Friday afternoon.

Prices vary widely, but the affordability is striking. A pair of Tarsal or Nagra shoes starts at Tk800, while high-end formal shoes cost Tk1,800 to Tk2,500. Leather belts range from Tk350 to Tk1,000. Sandals, loafers, wallets, bags – even keyrings – are available at prices that challenge mass-market synthetics.

Every shop seems to specialise slightly differently, but most cater to students, office-goers, and small business owners. Some shops even offer a one-year warranty with certain items. 

The real selling point?

Nearly everyone agrees: it's unbeatable value for money.

Beyond local market

Hazaribagh's impact doesn't end with the Dhaka retail crowd. Most shops also operate online, with hundreds of Facebook pages and websites selling the same products across Bangladesh – and beyond.

"Our factory supplies shoes to some of the biggest local brands," says Md Akib of Uniq Leather. "They have their own factories, but with hundreds of styles and colour combinations, they can't manage everything. That's where we come in."

The arrangement usually includes a non-disclosure clause: Hazaribagh producers agree not to display or replicate branded designs. Alongside major brands, local manufacturers also fulfil bulk orders for corporate gifts, customised products, and even overseas buyers.

In fact, Bangladesh earned over $1 billion from leather and leather goods exports in FY24, including $544 million just from leather footwear. 

Hazaribagh played a quiet, crucial role in that success.

Business for anyone

Back in his shop, Shawon explains how simple it is to get started. "You just take product photos, post them online with a price, and wait for orders. Once you get an order, collect the item from us and ship it."

For many, this model has opened a low-barrier path into business. Some have turned Facebook pages into thriving enterprises without renting a single shop. 

"We supply the goods; others manage the marketing. It's a win-win," says Shawon.

Social media, most shop owners agree, has been the real game-changer. YouTube videos, influencer partnerships, Facebook ads – all of it has helped Hazaribagh grow into a leather hub that extends well beyond its physical borders.

What's next?

Though foot traffic peaks during winter and before Eid-ul-Fitr, sellers hope for more stable sales year-round. To make that happen, they believe, exports need to increase.

And if Hazaribagh's journey so far is any indication, that ambition is well within reach. The neighbourhood once known for its stench now stands for strength, skill, and style. 

"Made in Hazaribagh" is no longer just a label. It's a quiet revolution – crafted in leather.