Government Announces New Cattle Hide Policy

The government has introduced a set of new measures aimed at improving the collection, preservation, and marketing of cattle hides ahead of the upcoming festival of Eid-ul-Adha. The initiative is intended to address long-standing challenges including unfair pricing, alleged market syndication, and inadequate storage facilities, which have repeatedly contributed to instability in the leather supply chain.

The policy framework was outlined by Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Minister for Commerce, during a media briefing following the second day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Monday.

The minister stated that a coordinated national action plan will be implemented to ensure market stability and improve the preservation of sacrificial hides. He emphasised that strengthening industrial capacity remains a central government priority, particularly through the revival of closed and financially distressed factories to enhance production and employment opportunities.

Prior to the briefing, senior officials from the Ministries of Commerce, Industry, Textiles, and Jute held a joint meeting with Deputy Commissioners. The discussions focused on industrial rehabilitation, market regulation, and development proposals submitted by local administrative authorities across different districts.

According to the minister, approximately 50 closed or financially distressed textile and jute mills are currently under consideration for phased transfer to the private sector. The government expects this initiative to attract new investment, increase production efficiency, and generate significant employment opportunities. The entire process is targeted for completion within one year.

Deputy Commissioners also presented several proposals, including the reopening of sugar mills, establishment of new industrial zones, and the development of distillery facilities. These proposals are currently under review by the relevant authorities.

To improve market transparency and efficiency, the government is planning to introduce a technology-driven supply chain monitoring system. The system will track all stages of commodity movement, including import, storage, wholesale distribution, and retail sales. Artificial intelligence-based tools will be used to enhance monitoring capacity, reduce price discrepancies, and improve accountability across the supply chain.

The government is also working on establishing a strategic reserve of essential commodities. This reserve is intended to reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions and ensure price stability in the domestic market during periods of international volatility.

Key Policy Measures

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh is also set to be strengthened through the formation of an expanded advisory council. This council will include experts from both the public and private sectors and is expected to make market intervention measures more targeted and timely.

In preparation for Eid-ul-Adha, additional arrangements include government-supplied salt for hide preservation, distribution of awareness materials, and nationwide media campaigns. Authorities will also regulate the transport of hides for seven days following the festival to ensure proper local storage and minimise losses.

Officials have highlighted that close coordination between local administrative authorities and elected representatives will be essential to maintaining supply chain stability and protecting consumer interests during the seasonal peak period.