Leather tanneries in Hazaribagh are some of the most polluted factories in the world with both environmental and social issues - toxic chemicals enter into the local water supply, workers aren't supplied with protective equipment and accidents with machinery occur frequently. Currently, there are 15 000 tannery labourers in the polluted neighbourhood of Hazaribagh - many of whom are children.

Collective action needs to be taken to transform the culture surrounding leather. This petition sets the change into motion through acknowledging and demanding a revolution of such tanneries.

With increasing attention being paid to the problems of leather production it is becoming possible to envisage a future where change is implemented and is working toward sole ethical production.

We petition Mr Anwar Hossain, the Bangladesh Environment Minister, demanding strict and high-level health and safety regulations be put in places to protect the affected workers as well as appropriate waste disposal to prevent continued contamination of the Buriganga River.