Govt pushes skill drive to protect billion-Taka leather industry

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Thursday said proper preservation and management of sacrificial animal hides during Eid-ul-Azha could unlock enormous economic potential and strengthen Bangladesh's leather export industry.
Speaking at the "Qurbani Training Workshop 2026" at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka, the minister warned that poor handling of hides during Eid continues to cause massive financial losses every year.
The workshop, organised by the Department of Livestock Services, brought together meat processors, hide preservation workers and veterinary medical teams ahead of the Eid season.
The minister said sacrificial animals generate not only meat but also valuable by-products, particularly hides, which carry significant export and industrial value if processed and preserved properly.
"Improper skinning, cleaning and preservation damage the quality of hides and sharply reduce their market price," he said. "If hides are handled professionally through proper salting and preservation, the country can substantially increase export earnings and strengthen the national economy."
He stressed the urgent need for skilled manpower in slaughtering, skinning, meat processing and hide management during Eid-ul-Azha, when millions of animals are sacrificed across the country within a short period.
The minister praised veterinary teams and livestock officials for ensuring animal health safety and maintaining stable livestock market management ahead of Eid.
Highlighting the need for workforce development, he proposed providing specialised training to madrasa students and young people so they can work as skilled seasonal manpower during Eid.
According to him, such initiatives would not only improve the quality and commercial value of hides but also create temporary employment opportunities for thousands of youths during the festive season.