Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Monday said the government has been working to dismantle the powerful syndicates formed over the past 15 years centring the leather industry.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting preparations for managing sacrificial animal hides at the largest leather market in the southwest region at Rajarhat in Jashore, the Adviser emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of orphanages and madrasas involved in the leather trade.

He said the country’s leather industry has suffered from extensive mismanagement and chaos over the past 15 years, leading to its significant decline.

“Our efforts prioritise the welfare of madrasas and orphanages, while also focusing on the overall recovery and future of the leather sector. The government is taking nationwide action to break illegal syndicates and revive the industry,” Bashir said.

7.74 Lakh Qurbani rawhides preserved in Chattogram Division

To ensure fair pricing and preservation of raw hides, the government has distributed 7.5 lakh maunds of salt across the country, the Adviser said, criticising seasonal traders for mishandling hides due to a lack of knowledge, which resulted in financial losses.

The Adviser also mentioned that the government released Tk 220 crore in incentives to tannery owners ahead of Eid to boost their capacity and is taking steps to expand market management.

Rawhides being sold at govt-set prices: Commerce Adviser

He expressed optimism that these initiatives would help re-establish Bangladesh’s leather industry in international markets. “Although the government has been blamed for the disorder, our unprecedented efforts to protect the leather industry need everyone's cooperation to succeed,” he said.

Jashore’s Deputy Commissioner Azahar Islam and Superintendent of Police Rownak Jahan were present during the visit.