Leather Engineers & Technologists’ Society, Bangladesh (LETS’B) alo’g with LIMRA Trade Fair & Exhibitions Ltd, organized panel Discussion titled “Challenges & Opportunities of the Leather and Allied Industry” on July 25, 2025, h 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, at Hall-04 of the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka. This session is sponsored by SS Interlining and Tapes as Title sponsor & Intertek Bangladesh as Powered by snonsor.
Designed to bring together key stakeholders, experts, and industry leaders, the discussion will delve into the evolving dynamics of the leather sector, focusing on both the challenges faced and the emerging opportunities within the industry. As the global market continues to shift, this event aims to foster dialogue, share perspectives, and explore innovative solutions that can drive sustainable growth and competitiveness for Bangladesh’s leather and allied industries.
It’s high time to work on the fundamental developments of the leather & allied industry– Mohammad Ali Bappi, President of the Leather Engineers & Technologists Society, Bangladesh
The session commenced with a welcome speech by Mohammad Ali Bappi, President of the Leather Engineers & Technologists Society, Bangladesh. His opening remarks set the tone for a timely and relevant conversation around the current landscape, key challenges, and future growth opportunities within the leather and allied industries.
We must fast-track the completion and compliance of the Savar Tannery Estate– Md. Tipu Sultan, Chairman, Bengal Leather Complex & Managing Director, Bengal Shoe Industries Limited.
The main challenges include insufficient compliance with international environmental and safety standards, limited infrastructure at our tanning clusters, lack of skilled labor, and inconsistency in raw material quality. Additionally, global perception issues due to delays in achieving LWG certification are hurting our export potential. We must fast-track the completion and compliance of the Savar Tannery Estate, ensure tighter coordination among regulators, promote skill development initiatives, and encourage partnerships with international certification bodies to restore buyer confidence.
Our leather industry continues to face hurdles due to compliance, infrastructure, and inconsistent policy implementation.– A.K.M Mosphiqur Rahman, Managing Director, Accenture Footwear & Leather Products Ltd.; Director, LFMEAB
The sector has seen both growth and stagnation. While the footwear industry has grown by tapping into global OEM demand, our leather industry continues to face hurdles due to compliance, infrastructure, and inconsistent policy implementation.
LFMEAB is actively working with stakeholders to enhance export capacity, streamline customs and compliance processes, and organize international trade delegations. We’ve also partnered with development agencies to improve sustainability, traceability, and worker welfare.
I strongly recommend pursuing postgraduate studies in leather chemistry– Dr. Md. Abul Hashem, Professor, Department of Leather Engineering, KUET
Our curriculum includes theoretical foundations, lab work, and industry visits. However, a stronger bridge is needed. While we cover modern tanning technologies and material sciences, there’s still a gap in digital skills and hands-on experience with export-grade compliance practices. I strongly recommend pursuing postgraduate studies in leather chemistry, environmental sustainability, or product design. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and South Korea offer strong research programs that can enhance our technical leadership in the global market.
Transparency, traceability, and continuous training are essential to attain global certifications– Md. Afzal Hossain, Master Trainer, NSW, Australia; Former Auditor, Leather Working Group
Bangladesh has made some progress, but a majority of tanneries still lack full compliance with global environmental and social standards. Poor wastewater treatment, lack of worker safety protocols, and outdated documentation practices are major concerns. Invest in cleaner technologies, adopt robust management systems (like ISO 14001), and engage international auditors early. Transparency, traceability, and continuous training are essential to attain global certifications and access premium markets.
Having a reliable supply chain and a skilled workforce determines long-term sustainability and brand growth– Mohammad Nuruzzaman, Director & CEO, Edison Footwear Limited
It’s been phenomenal. We’ve transitioned from a low-cost manufacturing hub to a recognized source of quality OEM footwear for brands in Europe and North America. Automation, design innovation, and diversified exports are signs of our upward momentum. Consistency in quality, timely delivery, adherence to compliance standards, and innovation in design are crucial. Also, having a reliable supply chain and a skilled workforce determines long-term sustainability and brand growth.
We all must work together to develop our leather and allied industry worldwide– Md. Mazedul Haque, General Secretary, Leather Engineers & Technologists Society, Bangladesh
The discussion was moderated by Md. Mazedul Haque, General Secretary of the Leather Engineers & Technologists Society, Bangladesh. In his opening remarks, Mr. Mazed highlighted the strategic relevance of this session in the current economic and environmental context. His speech set the stage by emphasizing the pressing need for modernization, regulatory compliance, workforce development, and value-chain efficiency in the leather and allied industries.
