Bangladesh is in the process of establishing a dedicated authority for the leather industry, the country’s second-largest export sector. The draft of the ‘Bangladesh Leather Industry Management Authority Act 2024’ aims to oversee and support the sector’s growth, with input from stakeholders being considered before finalization of the law.
The leather industry is seeking a separate entity under the Prime Minister’s Office to reduce dependence on the garment sector and expand export options. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the formation of this authority during the BLISS 2023 event, aiming to boost the leather sector’s growth.
A new authority is being proposed for the leather industry in Bangladesh, with headquarters in the Savar Leather Industrial Zone. It will have a chairman, three members, and operate under an eight-member board. Members will include representatives from various government ministries and industry associations. Prime Minister Hasina has also directed that the leather and jute industries receive incentives comparable to those given to the ready-made garments sector.
