The leather industry in Bangladesh is facing a slow and painful recovery, and the problem runs deeper than many realize. According to Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the sector has been declining for 15 years due to powerful syndicates that continue to control it.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the country’s largest rawhide market in Benapole, he said the government is working hard to protect the future of the industry.

“We are prioritising the interests of orphanages and madrasas. Our efforts are directed at protecting this industry’s future”

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Commerce Adviser, Government of Bangladesh

To take control of the situation, a special monitoring team has been formed. Bashir said he is personally touring several regions to break up the groups that have taken over the industry.

“I’m personally visiting different parts of the country to break the syndicate that has gripped the industry. A control team is also actively monitoring the situation”

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Commerce Adviser, Government of Bangladesh

He claimed no previous government has taken such serious action for the leather sector. To stabilize rawhide prices, the government distributed 7.5 lakh tonnes of salt across the country.

Still, there are challenges. Many madrasas reportedly handed over rawhide without salting it, making it hard to set a fair price.

Bashir also pointed out that seasonal traders often lack proper knowledge, leading to waste and losses during Eid.

To help tannery owners, the government released a huge financial incentives just before Eid. There are also efforts to find new markets for Bangladeshi leather products to increase international demand.

“Despite all this, the government is still blamed. But no other administration has done this much for the sector. We urge all involved to work together toward long-term improvement”

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Commerce Adviser, Government of Bangladesh