Govt sets new prices for sacrificial rawhides

The government has announced new prices for raw hides of sacrificial animals ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha to ensure fair market value and prevent smuggling. 

Following a high-level coordination meeting at the Secretariat, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir declared the updated rates on Wednesday (May 13).

Under the new pricing structure, the price of salt-treated cowhide has been set at 62 to 67 BDT per square foot in the capital, Dhaka. Outside the capital, the rate for cowhide is fixed between Taka 57 and 62 per square foot. 

Additionally, goat hide prices have been set at Taka 25 to 30 per square foot nationwide, while she-goat hide will retail between Taka 22 and 25 per square foot.

To prevent wastage and ensure proper preservation of the hides, the Ministry of Commerce has launched a special initiative to distribute salt across the country free of charge. The Minister confirmed that the government has already purchased salt worth Tk 17.60 crore for this purpose. 

Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) will oversee the logistics, ensuring the supplies reach the district and upazila levels before the festival begins.

Addressing the media, the Commerce Minister emphasized that these measures are designed to streamline the management of the leather industry during its busiest season. 

Experts believe that providing free salt and ensuring a fixed price floor will not only protect the interests of seasonal traders but also bolster the national economy by securing the quality of raw materials for the leather export sector.