No govt did more to protect leather industry than the interim govt: Commerce adviser

In the history of Bangladesh, no government did more to protect the leather industry than the current interim government, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said today (9 June). 

"We are working for the interests of the country's leather industry and the future of the country's leather industry. I am personally travelling across the country to dismantle the anarchichal syndicate that has been in decline in the leather industry for the last 15 years. I am monitoring everything, and our control team is also working," he said in response to questions from journalists after visiting Razarhat – the largest leather market in the South-Western region– in Jashore this afternoon.

He also said the government is working to protect the interests of orphanages and madrasahs in the leather industry first.

"There are many madrasahs, which have given leather without salt. The government does not determine the price of leather without salt. Many seasonal traders have wasted their money due to a lack of knowledge about leather, as a result of which they did not get the desired price," the adviser said.

Detailing the steps taken by the government to boost the leather industry, he said 7.5 lakh tonnes of salt have been distributed to ensure appropriate leather prices. "The government has played a supportive role in increasing the price of leather with salt."

Furthermore, he said the government has released Tk220 crore as incentives to tannery owners before Eid to increase their capacity, and expanded market management.

"The steps we have taken will create demand for the leather industry in the outside world."

Stating that the interim government is still being blamed for the anarchy of leather, he said, "We want to say that no government in the history of Bangladesh has done as much as the government has done to protect the leather industry. If we get everyone's cooperation, we will be able to reach our goal."

He also said that the syndicate in the leather industry, which has grown for the last 15 years, cannot be dismantled easily.

'Even if USAID funds are closed, projects will be completed with our own funds:'

Meanwhile, after visiting the leather market in Razarhat, the adviser visited the Jashore Cold Storage in Barinagar, known as the vegetable capital, built with USAID funding later this afternoon.

Speaking there, he said, "Several projects are ongoing under the World Trade Organization to upgrade Bangladesh to the middle-income status. US President Donald Trump has closed USAID funds. However, the promise of our ministry, my promise, is that even if USAID funds are closed, these projects will be completed with our own funds if necessary."

The adviser also said, 'We are working to increase the capacity of farmers. We are working to increase their storage capacity. Initiatives have been taken to quickly complete the projects that are there to expand the market. When it comes to international trade, there is an obligation to follow discipline and trade policies. We are working in accordance with them.

Regarding the suspension of the vegetable train from Barinagar, the commerce adviser said, "The connection that farmers needed with the train could not be created. This is really unfortunate."