Industries, Commerce, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said there is no possibility of sacrificial animal hides being smuggled out of the country this year.
He made the comments on Thursday afternoon while speaking to journalists after inspecting the collection and sale of raw hides at Aminbazar in Savar.
The minister said most hides will be properly preserved and transported to tanneries this year compared to previous years. He also said the government is planning to develop the sector into a permanent infrastructure in the future.
He noted that raw hides cannot be exported directly, but value can be added by producing finished goods such as shoes, belts and other leather products for export.
“Our goal is to earn more foreign currency and create more employment. That is why we want to export value-added leather products,” he said.
The minister also said steps are being taken to ensure proper collection and preservation of hides across the country so that they do not get damaged. He added that government personnel are working continuously in collection areas, making smuggling impossible.
He further said those who properly preserve hides with salt will get better prices, and urged traders to follow proper procedures.