The country's tanners sought supply of essential items at subsidised rates from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) for the tannery-estate labourers, as they are passing hard times due to soaring prices of key commodities, sources said.
The Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA) recently requested the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) to take necessary steps regarding the issue.
When contacted, BTA Chairman Md. Shaheen Ahamed said, "We have requested the government to take initiatives for selling the TCB's essential items at subsidised rates for the Saver Tannery Industrial Estate workers."
"More than 18,000 labourers are working in different tanneries. The number stands at about 30,000 during every Eid-ul-Azha."
He expected that the tannery sector workers would be benefited and be more attentive in their work, if the essential items are sold among them at subsidised rates.
"We have received a letter from the BTA, and are working on the issue," an official of the MoC said.
According to the BTA letter, leather sector is an industry - based on local raw materials. It is a potential sector, considering foreign currency earning, employment, contribution to GDP, and value addition.
Currently, there are 154 tannery units in the Savar tannery estate. Most of the units are involved with production and export of products.
During the COVID-19 period, the tannery owners provided relief to the workers for one month.
The prices of different essential items increased in the market due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war after the COVID-19 pandemic, the letter mentioned.
Currently, the government is selling essential items through the TCB among 10 million low-income families. It would be better for the tannery estate workers, if the TCB distributes essentials among them, said tanners.
The export volume of leather and leather goods, and products like footwear and bags made from blend of synthetics and fabrics (non-leather) crossed one-billion-dollar milestone to reach US$1.29 billion in July-April period of the FY 2021-22.
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