Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid on Thursday said that proper preservation and management of hides and other by-products from sacrificial animals can make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economy.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Farmgate, Dhaka.
The minister said that in many cases, hides from sacrificial animals are donated to madrasas, but lack of proper preservation and handling reduces their quality. He stressed that improved management could enhance leather quality and increase foreign currency earnings through leather exports.
He added that a large number of people are involved in slaughtering, skinning, meat processing and distribution during Eid-ul-Azha, making it essential to develop trained manpower for these activities.
According to him, improper skinning due to lack of training often damages leather quality and reduces its market value. He called for structured training programmes for madrasa students and young people, especially during the Eid period, to improve skills and create income opportunities.
The minister also highlighted the need for awareness against smuggled cattle, saying that protecting local livestock farmers is crucial as Bangladesh is now largely self-sufficient in livestock production.
He said domestic production is sufficient to meet Eid demand and urged stronger monitoring to protect the local livestock sector and national interests.
Praising the role of veterinary teams and livestock officials, he said their work in ensuring animal health and smooth market management during Eid is highly commendable.
The workshop was chaired by Director General of the Department of Livestock Services M Shahjaman Khan.
