Experts and rights workers have called for improved working conditions in Bangladesh’s leather sector, citing poor wages, health risks, and environmental hazards.
They also emphasized the need to implement ILO Conventions to improve workers’ rights, job security, and occupational safety.
The demands were made during a press briefing held on Monday in Tejgaon, ahead of World Day for Decent Work on 7 October.
The event was organized by Oshi Foundation under the “Building a Sustainable Leather Sector in Bangladesh” project, supported by the European Union and Solidarity Swiss.
Speakers included Prokrity o Jibon Foundation Chairman Mukit Majumder Babu, Oshi Foundation Vice Chairman Dr S M Morshed, BILS Director Nazma Yasmin, and Mahmudah Begum, Executive Director of Sabujer Avijan Foundation.
The session emphasized the need to address the relocation of the leather industry from Hazaribagh to Savar, which has failed to resolve infrastructure issues, increasing risks for workers.
The non-functional central effluent treatment plant (CETP) has contributed to environmental pollution, which hinders sustainable growth in the sector.
Although the government announced a minimum wage of Tk 18,101 for tannery workers in November 2024, its implementation has been delayed.
The formation of a tripartite consultation committee for the leather industry remains uncertain.
The briefing presented seven key recommendations, including the urgent need to bring the leather industry under the Export Processing Zone with input from both owners and workers.
It was noted that the leather industry is Bangladesh’s second-largest export sector, employing about 1 million people directly and indirectly.
The lack of Leather Working Group certification has led to a 40% decline in global demand for Bangladeshi leather products.
The session concluded with Mukit Majumder Babu stressing the importance of decent working conditions for the sector’s sustainable development. He called for coordinated efforts between the government, owners, and workers to ensure the industry’s long-term success.
