The government will adopt a comprehensive roadmap this month to transform Bangladesh's leather industry into a more competitive and environmentally sustainable sector in the global market, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir told parliament today (8 July).
"The roadmap will help raise annual leather export earnings to $10-12 billion by improving environmental compliance, waste management, and global standards," he said while replying to a question from Sirajganj-4 lawmaker Rafiqul Islam Khan.
He also said the government has been taking technological and administrative measures as well.
As part of the initiative, an Italian firm, Italprogetti, has completed a technical assessment of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at Savar BSCIC Leather Industrial City, he added.
"Based on the assessment, the CETP's treatment capacity will be urgently increased to 25,000 cubic metres. We also plan to prepare designs to gradually raise the capacity to 40,000 cubic metres and eventually to 50,000 cubic metres to meet future demand," he mentioned.
The minister said six tanneries have been allowed to set up their own effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to reduce pressure on the central treatment facility. Two of them are already operational, while another 20-25 large tanneries have been encouraged to install their own ETPs.
Highlighting the government's efforts to turn waste management into a value-added industry, Muktadir said production of industrial-grade protein powder from chrome shaving dust has already started.
He further said that initiatives are also underway to produce tallow and organic fertiliser from fleshing waste and gelatin from raw cutting waste for export.
Khandakar Abdul Muktadir / Leather industry / Bangladesh / 13th national parliament
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