Bangladesh’s Commerce and Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government is working to strengthen the country’s leather industry and make it more export-oriented by ensuring maximum utilisation of sacrificial animal hides.

Speaking after visiting rawhide trading activities in Dhaka, he said a comprehensive long-term plan for leather sector development, preservation, processing and export expansion will be unveiled by July.

The minister said coordinated government efforts, support from traders and warehouse owners and preservation activities through mosques and madrasas are expected to help collect most sacrificial hides in usable condition this year.

“Not all sacrificial hides arrive in Dhaka at the same time. Naturally, the entire process takes 2-3 months. However, through the combined efforts of government agencies, district administrations, city corporations, BSCIC and relevant traders, we believe we will be able to reach close to our target this year.”

– Khandakar Abdul Muktadir

Muktadir said hides can be preserved for 3-4 months if they are properly cleaned and salted within 4-6 hours after sacrifice. He also stressed the need to modernise slaughtering and skinning practices to improve leather quality.

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