'Raw hides will be exported if seasonal traders are cheated'

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said export of raw hides will be allowed if seasonal traders are cheated by the syndicated tannery owners.

“The government is trying to break the tannery owners’ syndicate and has fixed the price of the skin of sacrificial animals. Even then, if seasonal traders are cheated, we will allow exporting raw hides,” he said.

The minister said this while talking to reporters at his LakeView residence in Sagarpara area of the city on Wednesday afternoon after arriving on a four-day visit on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha festival.

Tipu Munshi said the government is trying to break the syndicate of tannery owners.

He said different ministries and police administration are working together to ensure that the price of raw hides is not lower than the fixed price.

“Syndicates cannot interfere if seasonal traders preserve hides with salt. That's why they have to be vigilant,” he said, adding that the administration will keep vigilance to stop dishonest traders and prevent smuggling of skins.

The minister advised all concerned to preserve the animal hides for seven to eight days by adding salt to get a fair price, saying that those who offer sacrifices generally do not sell the raw hides and donate to madrasas and orphanages.

Claiming that the government is working to reduce prices of daily commodities, the commerce minister said that prices of commodities have increased partly due to global reasons and partly because of the profiteering traders.

“The government is trying to control the prices of daily essentials. The price of vegetables which has increased will come down. This crisis will be over,” he added.  

Local leaders of Awami League and its associate bodies were present.