Tannery owners have begun the collection of salted rawhides in the tanneries located in Harindhara, Hemayetpur, Savar, and Dhaka.
However, they are deeply concerned and worried about potential pollution issues and the possibility of not being able to sell the rawhides at fair prices.
According to reports, tannery owners have collected approximately 410,000 pieces of rawhides from the day of Eid until Sunday afternoon. This year, the target is to collect 10,000,000 pieces of rawhides.
The tannery owners said the absence of the Leather Working Group (LWG) certificate hampers their ability to obtain prices in line with international market standards. Consequently, they are forced to rely on China for the sale of processed rawhides, resulting in significantly lower prices.
Moreover, mismanagement has led to the dumping of rawhide waste outside the designated dumping yard. With the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) work remaining incomplete, there is a looming threat of environmental pollution and potential contamination of the Dhaleswari river near tanneries due to liquid waste, persisting this year as well.
During a visit on Monday, it was observed that tanneries in Savar and its surrounding areas have collected unsalted rawhides. Workers were seen applying salt to the rawhides, while the tail, ears, and head parts were removed as residual waste. These waste materials were then transported in small engine-driven vehicles to the banks of the Dhaleswari River near Shilpanagar, where they were dumped in an open area. A large hole was initially prepared in a section of the dumping yard adjacent to the river for proper solid waste management during the Eid period. However, instead of utilizing the designated area, the waste is currently being disposed of in the open. At the dumping site, a group of 4-5 individuals were seen separating the hairy part from the tail.
Dhaka TribuneManju Mia, a labourer who collected the hairy part of the tail from the riverbank, mentioned that this portion used to be sold for Tk3 to Tk4. However, it is now being sold for only 50 paise. He stated that he would collect it for now and sell it later.
Another individual named Rabiul Islam, who claimed to be an employee of CETP (Central Effluent Treatment Plant), explained that the road leading to the designated dumping site was wet due to rain, preventing vehicles from accessing it. Consequently, waste is currently being dumped in the open area, with plans to remove it later and transport it to the appropriate location.
Numerous individuals involved in rawhide processing have stated that starting from Monday, the salted rawhides will be opened and then packed into drums as part of the process.
Md Maksudur Rahman, a rawhide trader and processor, said: "Currently, we are cutting the rawhides and preserving them with salt. Afterwards, the rawhides are placed into drums for the wet blue process. Salted rawhides from other districts will arrive within a week."
Tannery owners have expressed their frustration over the lack of opportunities to obtain prices that reflect those on the international market, primarily due to the absence of the Leather Working Group (LWG) certificate.
Bangladesh Tanners Association General Secretary and Salma Tannery Managing Director Sakhawat Ullah said: "Without CETP or proper waste management, it is not feasible to acquire the Leather Working Group (LWG) certificate. Various European countries refuse to import leather from us due to the absence of this certification. Even the two countries that still have buyers for our leather have exhibited a negative attitude towards future purchases. Consequently, we are left with no choice but to rely on Chinese buyers."
