At a policy dialogue held at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali in the capital, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that although the decision to relocate tanneries from Hazaribagh to Savar was correct, the industry has suffered due to weak implementation and management. To create opportunities for new investors, a 'graceful exit' arrangement will be made for those who are no longer capable of investing.

The minister said that in future, 100 percent environmental and international standard conditions will be ensured in tanneries, and obtaining the Leather Working Group certificate will be made mandatory to increase acceptability in the international market.

To increase the capacity of the central effluent treatment plant in Savar, an initiative has been taken to build a new world-class treatment plant. There is a plan to ensure 100 percent waste management through own effluent treatment plants in large tanneries and through the central system in small tanneries.

The government wants to process raw leather locally and export high-value leather goods, including shoes and bags, while building the 'Bangladesh Leather' brand. At the same time, initiatives are being taken to expand markets in Japan, South Korea and Europe and attract foreign investment.

The government has set a target of making the leather industry more competitive by 2027 through skill and design development, eco-friendly production, investment facilities, and resolving bond-related complexities.