Global market expands, Bangladesh lags behind

Bangladesh’s leather industry struggles to expand exports despite growing global demand. The sector faces challenges due to pollution at the Hemayetpur tannery estate, where the common effluent treatment plant is not fully operational. This has led to low rawhide prices, increased leather imports, and difficulty obtaining LWG certification. Only seven factories in Bangladesh have LWG certification, compared to hundreds in competing countries. The government is taking steps to boost exports, but environmental issues remain a significant hurdle. Prothom Alo