An inception program of LeatherTrace Bangladesh: Traceable and Circular Leather Production (TCLP) was held on November 14, 2024, at Sheraton Dhaka, Banani. Organized by iDEA TREE and SERA Bangladesh, the program spotlighted a transformative initiative funded under the SMEP framework. Through partnerships with the University of Northampton, the University of Hertfordshire, the Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF), and SERA Bangladesh, iDEA TREE is steering TCLP to elevate Bangladesh’s leather sector by advancing traceability, sustainability, and global standards compliance.
Mr. Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Khan, Additional Secretary and Chairman of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), attended the event as the Chief Guest. Joining him as the Guest of Honor was Mr. Md. Salim Ullah, Additional Secretary (Policy, Law & International Cooperation) at the Ministry of Industries. According to Mr. Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Khan, such a futuristic initiative would bring Bangladesh’s leather industries to another level. He thanked the organizers and the consortium partners. while Mr. Md. Salim Ullah added, shifting leather industries from Hazaribagh to Hemayetpur, Savar was an act to safe the environment. He emphasized on the issue that Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) should be fully operational within very short. Dr. Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Director of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, University of Dhaka, was also present as a Special Guest, along with leaders from the Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA), Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods and Footwear Exporters Association (BFLLFEA), and Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB). The event gathered distinguished guests from the leather sector, including association heads, academics, industry experts, supply chain representatives, brand delegates, as well as representatives from INGOs, UN bodies, and project leaders from the UK.
An intellectual panel discussion enriched the program, bringing together both local and international experts. This discussion highlighted the strategic importance of TCLP, focusing on the project’s role in implementing digital platforms to enable e-traceability, thereby enhancing transparency across the leather supply chain. TCLP also aims to boost sustainable practices by promoting circular production, and encouraging investment in waste reduction, material efficiency, and brand development– all geared toward strengthening Bangladesh’s competitive edge in both local and global markets. The panel emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, which can facilitate knowledge-sharing, secure funding access, and drive alignment with international standards, paving the way for seamless integration into global supply chains. Deborah Taylor; the managing director of Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF), had a session where she upholds the necessity of traceably in Leather value chain from environmental and social perspective. Professor Amin Hosseinian-Far from University of Hertfordshire shared the project’s idea and vision along with some of his observations from Bangladeshi leather industries. Joining him Dr. Oluwaseyi Omoloso from University of Northampton added the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) aspects of the Bangladeshi E-traceability Project.
The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from Mr. Kauser Ali, Head of Operations at iDEA TREE. Expressing gratitude to all participants for their insights, he shared hope that TCLP would deliver substantial benefits to Bangladesh’s leather industry with the steadfast support of all involved stakeholders, particularly the leadership of industry associations.
