Smuggling fears for raw hides
Shaheen Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA) has expressed fears that tanners may lose valuable raw materials to smuggling, if the continued effluent treatment plant compliance issues at the at the Savar tannery industrial estate aren’t addressed.
Speaking at the ‘Action for Sustainable Development of the Leather Industry’ seminar, jointly organised by the BTA and the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF), Mr Ahmed said: "If we fail to ensure compliance in the industry, local leather (rawhide) may go to India illegally, as they will be able to offer better prices due to the Leather Working Group Certification” adding further comments that the sector needed at least 30 LWG accredited tanneries.
Local media reported that speakers at the seminar claimed the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) had been negligent in its responsibilities, leading to the failure of the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate in ensuring the full functionality of its only centralised effluent treatment plant.
