Plans to relocate Bangladesh tanneries face historical opposition
In Bangladesh, the government has announced a project to move 200 tanneries from the Hazaribagh area to Savar by 2005. The proposal comes as part of efforts to halt impending environmental damage.
The responsibility for implementing the project was given to The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC). According to industry officials, the BSCIC has considerable experience setting up 'industrial villages' of this kind.
The new site will house a common waste treatment facility to be shared by the relocated tanneries. Construction is scheduled to take place between July and December 2006. A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was scheduled to be signed on 15 August by the BSCIC, the Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA) and the Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods and Footwear Exporters Association (BFLLFEA).
However, the MoU was not signed on the day. Industries ministry officials said at the last moment signing of the ceremony was postponed due to some minor changes in its provisions.
Originally the move was proposed in 1992 by the Awani League government, but efforts to convince tannery owners were unsuccessful.
