Next Gen News

activists try to attract the world's attention to the difficult working conditions and environmental damage caused by industry

The blue and red sewers, contaminated with chemicals, the air is acrid smoke, while the midday sun terraces dirt from the busy thoroughfare. Mohammed Jalal, 42, sits under a canopy uneven. He drinks tea served hot, although the temperature of 45C. Soon you will be back at work in one of the 185 tanneries dominate the crowded cozy neighborhood of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh.

"If there is any other work, I would," Jalal says, shaking his head.

Bangladesh has been in the spotlight since the death in April of 1130 workers in the collapse of a factory in Dhaka, the production of cheap clothes on the street of Western traders. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the politicians of the State of South Asia promised chaotic and companies like Primark, Matalan and Gap scrambled to repair the tarnished reputation reforms.

many Western companies have signed an agreement that is legally binding sources clothing factories in Bangladesh with safe working conditions and contribute to the cost of improvements. Others are negotiating a separate agreement.

Bangladesh, but is also a major supplier of leather for shoes, bags, belts, jackets and bags used in the United Kingdom, other European countries and South East Asia. The commercial boom - that will soon provide more than $ 1 billion per year, but known for its harsh conditions and pollution - has received less attention. Almost all leather Bangladesh is produced from animal fur in some 15,000 local workers in the small district of Hazaribagh Dhaka. A recent report from the international campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) described "systematic violations of human rights" in the industry. They also warn of the catastrophic environmental impact tanneries discharge large quantities of waste toxic in the Buriganga river, which flows through Dhaka.

residents and workers in Hazaribagh expect to see the benefits of global outrage that followed the collapse factory Rana Square.

"We know what happened to these poor people, and I've heard that everyone was angry. Maybe this can help us too, "said Jalal, who worked in tanneries 30 years.

European buyers

Bangladesh leather and diplomats of European countries have recently discussed details of the conditions in the tanneries of local authorities and professional organizations.

"We contacted a number of companies, by the ministry, trying to stay calm," said Mohammed Abdul Hai, president of Bangladesh Tanners Association. "We were able to say that the problems will soon be resolved here. "

Hai said he had dispelled concerns about ensuring that European tanneries move into a new purpose built complex on the outskirts of the city next year. The area has a waste treatment plant and workers' conditions will be greatly improved.

"We [they say] that they could not forget the conditions [current] in Hazaribagh because soon we will be based in the new production site and can not be based on international standards. Expect that in five years will be an industry model in Bangladesh ", he said.

Belal Hossain, president of Bangladesh finished leather, leather goods and shoes Exporters Association, also emphasized that the concerns of environmental protection in tanneries "will be solved soon."

"The tanneries are horrible. Is concerned that I may be a lost cause. Courts have ordered the relocation and again, but each successive government had asked for more time, "said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, executive director of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association.

Find best price for : --Abdul----Hazaribagh----Bangladesh----Mohammed--