One can still smell Hazaribagh before reaching there despite the relocation of tanneries to Savar in 2017. Although the air quality of the area has somewhat improved, the stench of tanneries – garbage, cast-off leather scraps, and a toxic mix of acrid chemicals– remains. The reason is that the place is still home to leather processing. The River Buriganga continues to be polluted by the waste of dozens of small rawhide processing units still operating in Hazaribagh illegally. Cast-off leather scrap still lines the canals. READ: 8 Savar tanneries fined for polluting environment  Although tanneries have moved to Savar, some 20 kilometres to Hazaribagh's west, many tanners are still dependent on Hazaribagh to perform part or all of leather processing – cutting, drying, and colouring.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has called on dyes and chemicals manufacturers to explore more cost-effective and eco-friendly dyes, chemicals and technologies for ensuring sustainable textile manufacturing. He also urged the technicians working in the textile sector to stay updated on the latest technologies so that they can reduce the wastage of chemicals and dyes during the production process. Read:BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh' He made the call while addressing a programme organised on the 25th anniversary of Swiss Colours Bangladesh in Dhaka Wednesday. Faruque said prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials have gone up in the global supply chain, increasing production costs in garment manufacturing. He requested brands and buyers to increase prices considering the issue.