Dhaka workshop aims to transform the leather industry through skill development

Can better-trained workers reshape Bangladesh's leather trade? A groundbreaking Dhaka initiative bridges academia and industry to find out. The programme, backed by global funding, targets long-term growth and innovation.

, and Administrator

2026 April 7 . 12:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a man in an apron working on a piece of leather in a workshop. He is holding a tool... — The image shows a man in an apron working on a piece of leather in a workshop. He is holding a tool in his hand and there is a table in front of him with various tools and a book on it. On the wall behind him, there are more tools hanging.

Dhaka workshop aims to transform the leather industry through skill development

A new training workshop aimed at boosting the leather industry has begun in Dhaka. Titled 'Skilled Manpower Development and Industry Competitiveness for the Leather Sector', the event was officially opened at the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology (ILET). The programme brings together university expertise and industry needs to support growth in the sector. The workshop was jointly organised by ILET under Dhaka University and the SICIP programme of the Ministry of Finance. Funding for the initiative comes from the Asian Development Bank.

Dhaka University vice-chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan served as the chief guest at the inauguration. In his speech, he called for stronger ties between universities and the leather industry to drive development. He stressed that collaboration would help both education and business sectors advance.

Md Mizanur Rahman, general secretary of the Bangladesh Tannery Association, also spoke as a special guest. His remarks highlighted the importance of skilled workers for the industry's future.

ILET-SICIP project director Professor Sabur Ahmed presented a research paper during the event. He shared plans to reduce the gap between academic institutions and wider society. SICIP's executive project director, Mohammad Walid Hossain, attended as the guest of honour. The workshop aims to improve skills in the leather sector while supporting broader progress. Organisers expect the training to strengthen industry competitiveness. The programme will continue under the partnership of Dhaka University and the Ministry of Finance.