B Miror Report: Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir has said the government is working to develop Bangladesh’s leather industry into a billion-dollar export-earning sector.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 47th National Science and Technology Week 2026 divisional fair at Rikabi Bazar Gymnasium in Sylhet on Friday, the minister said the existing weaknesses in the leather sector had already been identified and several productive discussions had been held with stakeholders to improve the industry.
He said necessary reforms would help strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global leather market.
The minister noted that the current government has been in office for only two and a half months, and while major changes may not be possible in such a short time, long-term reform efforts are already underway.
Seeking patience from the public, he expressed optimism that gradual improvements in the leather sector would become visible over time.
Highlighting the importance of public awareness, Muqtadir described leather as a valuable national resource and urged people to prevent waste and misuse of the resource through responsible behavior.
The event was chaired by Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Md. Mashiur Rahman. Sylhet-3 lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malik, Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam, and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury were present as special guests.
