Dissemination on “Rapid Assessment of Hazaribagh Tanneries” held in Bangladesh

News Hour:

A Dissemination on “Rapid Assessment of Hazaribagh Tanneries” was held on 28th August 2017 at Policy Research Institute (PRI) conference room in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The event was organized by South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM). Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Chairman, Policy Research Institute (PRI) was the chief guest of this program, he opened the discussion floor with brief and insightful opening remarks.

Dr. Bazlul Haque Khandoker, Chairman, SANEM and Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka presented the key presentation and discussed the research outcomes, the research was conducted earlier this year. Dr. M. Abu Eusuf, Chairman, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka was the Designated Discussant for this discussion and interaction session.

Various stakeholders of tannery and leather produced goods were present in the discussion session. They discussed, pointed out and suggested various issues and recommendations for the better evolve of this huge potential sector. Dr. Zaidi Sattar depicted that currently we are exporting an amount of US$ 1.5 billion but this is expected to be of US$ 5 billion. We have all potentials and possibilities to do better.

Hazaribagh tanneries have been a prime source of pollution in Buriganga river, due to insufficient waste management and water treatment system. Following the high court rule in 2001, the tanneries were directed to relocate to Savar, yet most of the relocation took place in April 2017. This led to closing down of tanneries and disconnection of utility services.

This further resulted in displacement of workers, where majority of them, almost 95 percent, did not receive any compensation. The study found 92 percent of the relocated workers opined negatively affected by the relocation, due to loss of income and low standards of living in Savar.

The study also noted the importance of proper usage and management of the Complete Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). The study recommended a further comprehensive study on assessing the cost-benefits of improving worker salary, living conditions and infrastructure of the new tannery complex, including CETP.

It stressed on precise implementation of a complete CETP work plan and operational capacity development. At the last part of the program, the presenters and designated discussants talked to media journalists’.

This article has been posted by a News Hour Correspondent. For queries, please contact through [email protected]
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