Dhaka, May 17 (V7N) — The government has stressed ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the tannery sector in Savar while launching coordinated efforts to expand the country’s leather industry potential, officials said.
The statement came from Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, who spoke as the chief guest at a meeting of the Leather Industry Task Force held on Sunday (May 17).
The minister said Bangladesh’s leather sector has the potential to grow into a $12 billion industry in the future if properly modernized and managed through a structured development plan. He added that the government is working on a comprehensive initiative to upgrade the entire value chain—from livestock slaughtering to final waste (sludge) management.
A key focus of the plan is the modernization of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Savar, which is currently in a deteriorated condition. The minister noted that full renovation of the facility may take several years but expressed optimism that foreign investment would increase significantly once improvements are completed.
He further said that a coordinated action plan for the sector will be implemented after Eid, aiming to unlock the industry’s full economic potential and turn Bangladesh’s leather capabilities into a stronger export-driven sector.
The Commerce Minister also emphasized environmental compliance, urging tannery owners to be more responsible in managing pollution and waste. He noted that out of 156 tanneries in Savar, 100 have already received environmental clearance.
Officials said the government is working to ensure that the entire leather production chain operates under a unified plan, strengthening both economic output and environmental sustainability.
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