Over 56 lakh hides preserved this year: Commerce minister

More than 56 lakh sacrificial animal hides have been preserved this year, surpassing expectations despite uncertainties surrounding the sector, Commerce and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said today (31 May).

The government still expects additional hides to be preserved in the coming days, he said after a discussion organised by Sylhet Metropolitan BNP to mark the 45th death anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman.

He also said the government will allow the export of wet blue leather in case the purchasing process of those who will buy the hides in the next stage slows down.

The minister cautioned against becoming satisfied with the current level of preservation, noting that the achievement came amid an uncertain situation.

"A significant number of hides have been preserved under difficult circumstances. Expecting much more at this stage would not be an expression of gratitude," he added.

To modernise the leather sector, Muktadir said the government plans to establish slaughterhouses in divisional cities in coordination with the Ministry of Water Resources.

These facilities will handle animal slaughtering, skinning and meat processing professionally and at a lower cost before delivering meat to consumers.

He said the initiative would help ensure the proper preservation of all hides collected through the slaughterhouses while also reducing waste and environmental pollution caused by animal slaughter in urban areas.

The minister further said the government would support capable tannery owners who struggled to resume operations following the relocation of tanneries from Hazaribagh to Savar.

Technical and financial assistance will be provided to help them install effluent treatment plants (ETPs).

Following feasibility assessments, the capacity of the central effluent treatment plant in Savar will also be expanded, he said.

"We want every tannery operating in Savar to achieve LWG Gold certification. This will be the government's future threshold for the sector," the minister said, referring to the internationally recognised Leather Working Group sustainability standard.

He added that the government aims to ensure exporters receive the highest possible value for Bangladeshi leather products in international markets.

Earlier, speakers at the discussion highlighted Ziaur Rahman's political philosophy, his role in rebuilding Bangladesh after independence and his contribution to establishing a multi-party democratic system. They emphasised following his ideals in advancing the country's democratic journey.