Religious Affairs minister urges ulemas on rawhide preservation

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad on Sunday urged Islamic scholars, or ulemas, to play an active role in raising awareness about the proper processing and preservation of sacrificial animal hides during Eid-ul-Azha, stressing their importance to Bangladesh’s leather industry.

He made the appeal while addressing a discussion on rawhide preservation at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka. The meeting was organised ahead of the upcoming Eid to address challenges related to hide collection and preservation.

The minister said that in previous years, many hides were reportedly buried underground after traders failed to secure fair prices. He warned that such practices must be prevented, and called on ulemas to help guide the public in proper flaying and preservation techniques to maintain hide quality for industrial use.

Kaikobad also warned of strict government action against syndicates and middlemen involved in the rawhide trade, saying he was ready to take strong measures to ensure justice in the sector. At the same time, he noted that the government would continue awareness campaigns to improve handling and preservation practices.

Participants from the ulema community urged the government to ensure fair prices for hides, highlighting long-standing concerns of producers and traders during Eid seasons.

The minister said the government would safeguard the dignity of ulemas and noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had issued directives regarding the proper management of madrasas. He also remarked that religious institutions would continue to receive support.

Kaikobad added that ulemas had historically played a significant role in national movements, including support for Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman during the 1977 referendum and the Liberation War.

The event was attended by Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad as special guest, while Islamic Foundation Director General A Salam Khan presided over the programme.

Islamic Foundation Secretary Sheikh Murshidul Islam, Director Dr Muhammad Harunur Rashid, Muhaddis Dr Waliur Rahman Khan, Muhaddis Hafez Mufti Jubayer Ahmad of Jamia Forkania Lalbagh Madrasa, and Muhtamim Hafez Maulana Sakhawat Hossain of Azimpur Faizul Ulum Madrasa, among others, also spoke on the occasion.