Photo: Video Screenshot

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government is set to adopt a comprehensive roadmap by July 2026 to revitalise the country's leather sector with the goal of increasing annual export earnings from the industry's current level to between US$10 billion and US$12 billion.

"The government is planning to adopt a comprehensive roadmap by July 2026 to make the country's second-largest export sector more dynamic and raise export earnings to US$10-12 billion," he told the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) in reply to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Md Rafiqul Islam Khan (Sirajganj-4).

Responding to a question on the long-standing problems at the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate, the minister said the government has undertaken a series of modern technical and administrative measures to transform the sector into an environmentally compliant and globally competitive industry.

He said a technical assessment of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the BSCIC Leather Industrial Estate in Savar has already been completed by Italian firm Italprogetti.

"Under the plan, the CETP's treatment capacity will be urgently increased to 25,000 cubic metres, while separate designs and drawings will be prepared to expand the capacity to 40,000 and eventually 50,000 cubic metres in line with future demand," he said.

To reduce pressure on the central treatment facility, the minister said six tanneries have already been allowed to install their own Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), of which two are already in operation.

"In addition, another 20 to 25 comparatively large tanneries have been requested to establish their own ETPs," he added.

Highlighting waste management initiatives, Muktadir said the government is implementing a circular economy approach by converting tannery waste into valuable industrial products.

He said Bangladesh J-W Animal Protein Company Limited has started producing industrial protein powder from chrome shaving dust, while initiatives have been taken to produce tallow and organic fertiliser from fleshing waste. "Production and export of gelatin from raw cutting waste are also continuing successfully," he continued.Muktadir said the government is also taking effective measures to facilitate bank financing and cash incentives for leather entrepreneurs to strengthen the sector.

"We hope the comprehensive roadmap to be adopted by July 2026 will make Bangladesh's leather industry more competitive in the global market and environmentally sustainable," he said.

The minister also said regular awareness programmes, meetings, seminars, workshops and capacity-building training are being organised with tannery owners and other stakeholders to help the industry achieve international standards and obtain certification from the Leather Working Group (LWG).

The day's sitting began with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.