At least 12 billion taka, the equivalent of about 136 million euros. That’s the damage assessed by the Bangladesh tanning industry from the closure of the Hazaribagh district, the hub of the tanning industry that has closed for business after 15 years of shilly-shallying in the courts. That assessment comes from the association of exporters of hides and leather products, which, together with the local economic daily The Financial Express, is estimating the numbers of foreign orders that it will be impossible to complete because of the lack of raw materials. The return to normal production will only be possible after completing the move to the new tanning centre in Savar, but “the Government has forced us to abandon Hazaribagh without any guarantees about when the new facilities will be operational,” says the president of the exporters association. “It’s an irresponsible move against a whole industry.” Everyone has their own opinion. What is certain is that the Bengal tanning industry system is anticipating a halt following a period of growth. During the period July-March of the 2016-2017 tax year, exports of hides and leather products achieved a turnover of 922.9 million dollars, a growth of 8.9% compared to the same period of the previous year.
After the closure of Hazaribagh, the Bengal tanning industry is assessing the damage: 136 million exports have gone up in smoke due to the lack of raw materials
