Hazaribag

In Bangladesh, the leather industry is one of the most important economy. It contributes around 6% of total export earnings. The factories are located in Hazaribag area, one of the most populated neighborhoods of Dhaka, and cover 25 hectares. But, this profitable industry hurts the environment strongly. A huge amount of solid and liquid waste is dumped in the Buriganga river. The laborers are equally harmed working in hazardous conditions. The lack of training on the use of chemicals and the inadequacy of safety equipments cause lots of injuries and deaths every year. In 2003, the government started a project to build a new tannery area, 24 km northwest of Dhaka. Continuous delays on setting up a Central Treatment Plant (CETP) in the new site, worsen the precarious conditions of the environment and the physical state of numerous workers.