Need to relocate tanning outside city

Environment Minister Shajahan Siraj stressed the need for shifting the tanning industry outside the city and urged tannery owners to begin making the necessary mental adjustment to relocate. The minister was inaugurating the chrome recovery plant for Dhaka Hide and Skins Limited at Hazaribagh. The distinguished guest list also included the State Minister for Commerce. The opening ceremony was chaired by managing director M A Rashid Bhuiyan and the function was also addressed by managing director of Dhaka WASA Dr Khandakar Azharul Haque; chairman of BFLLFEA M A Sattar Bhuiyan; and chairman of the Bangladesh Tannery Association Harun Chowdhury. The minister pointed out that the Buriganga river was drying up due to various industrial wastes including polythene and called for effective action to save the river. Mr Siraj also urged tannery owners to set up their own chrome recovery plants.