The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) opened a five-day leather and leather goods fair in Dhaka on Wednesday, aiming to expand markets for local products and create direct links between entrepreneurs, consumers and other stakeholders.
Ministry of Industries Adviser Advocate Md Ruhul Kabir Rizvi inaugurated the BSCIC Leather and Leather Goods Fair 2026 at BSCIC Bhaban in Tejgaon on the afternoon of 16 September. The fair will run until 20 September, BSCIC said in a press release.
Rizvi called for Bangladesh’s leather and leather goods industry to adopt modern technology, environmentally friendly practices and higher-value production.
He emphasised the use of modern technology, development of skilled workers, maintenance of international standards and environmental protection to strengthen the position of Bangladeshi leather and leather goods in international markets.
Rizvi also stressed the need to combine the country’s traditional small and cottage industries with modern technology.
He said traditional industries including weaving, dyeing, shoemaking and handicrafts had once played an important role in the rural economy, and that combining these traditions with modern technology and innovation could help create new entrepreneurs and increase employment opportunities.
He specifically cited the international recognition of Bangladesh’s Black Bengal goat leather, stressing the need for appropriate policies, modern technology, skilled workers and production systems that meet international standards.
BSCIC Chairman Benazir Ahmed said in his welcome address that the fair had been organised to support development of the leather and leather goods industry, expand markets for products made by entrepreneurs and establish direct connections between entrepreneurs, consumers and other stakeholders.
The event is providing entrepreneurs from different parts of the country with opportunities to display and sell a range of leather and leather goods. Entrepreneurs trained in leather goods by the BSCIC Design Centre have also been given opportunities to participate.
Ahmed said BSCIC would continue initiatives to use the untapped potential of its industrial estates to create new entrepreneurs and increase employment.
He said the corporation would play a more effective role in developing young people as entrepreneurs.
The release said the fair has 49 stalls. It listed 43 stalls for leather and leather goods entrepreneurs and five for entrepreneurs selling food and food products.
Alongside entrepreneurs trained in leather goods by the BSCIC Design Centre, entrepreneurs from Hazaribagh are participating in the fair. Bay is also taking part.
The fair is intended to promote domestic leather and leather goods, expand markets, help entrepreneurs market their products and create opportunities for direct interaction between entrepreneurs and consumers.
