With increased awareness and stringent enforcement, GI certification promises to bolster Bangladesh’s position in the global market while fostering rural development and intellectual property protection
During the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed all relevant authorities to ensure the safeguarding of Geographic Indication (GI) for Bangladeshi products. Recently, the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, an entity under the Ministry of Industries, published a gazette acknowledging the GI status for Tangail Saree, Amrit Sagar Banana from Narsingdi, and Rasgolla from Gopalganj.
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Earlier, India’s Ministry of Industries granted GI recognition to a saree called ‘Banglar Tangail Saree’ or ‘Tangail Saree of Bengal’ and received approval from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This move sparked significant controversy in Bangladesh, with saree traders, legal professionals, and rights activists questioning India’s claim over the Tangail saree as its own, despite Tangail being a region within Bangladesh and the Tangail saree being a Bangladeshi product.
In response, the relevant departments of the Bangladesh government acted swiftly. The Tangail district administration applied for GI recognition of Tangail sarees on February 6, subsequently approved and published in the gazette by the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. Currently, Bangladesh has 21 registered GI products.
“The more the masses become aware of GI registration, the more they will come forward for the protection of traditional products,”
–Istihak Rayhan, Lecturer at the Department of Economics, Jahangirnagar University
What is GI certification?
GI certification, or Geographical Indication certification, is a form of intellectual property protection granted to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are closely linked to that origin. This certification helps to prevent unauthorized use of the geographical indication and ensures that only products meeting certain criteria are allowed to be labeled as such. It not only protects the reputation and uniqueness of the product but also promotes economic development in the region by encouraging producers to maintain traditional methods and quality standards.
GI certification covers a wide range of products including agricultural goods, foodstuffs, handicrafts, and industrial products. Examples of products with GI certification include Champagne, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Darjeeling tea, and Murano glass. Overall, GI certification plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing consumer confidence in the authenticity and quality of products.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) enforces regulations and grants certifications and patents via the government’s office dedicated to design, patents, and trademarks. Bangladesh currently has 21 registered GI products, with 14 pending applications awaiting approval at DPDT.
List of GI Products of Bangladesh
GI Products of Bangladesh are discussed below:
- Jamdani: A heritage woven in time
- Ilish: The silver jewel of Bangladesh’s waters
- Khirshapat Mango: A golden emblem of sweet indulgence
- Sada Mati: The white clay of Bijoypur
- Kataribhog Rice: Fragrant elegance from Dinajpu
- Kalijira Rice: The edible gem of Bangladesh
- Shotoronji: The timeless artistry of Rangpur
- Rajshahi Silk: Weaving royalty into every thread
- Muslin: Threads of elegance from Dhaka
- Fazli Mango: A flavorful delight from Rajshahi
- Bagda Prawn: The gold of Bangladeshi water
- Shitalpati: The chilled elegance from Sylhet
- Bogura’s Doi: The sweet sensation of northern Bangladesh
- Tulshimala Rice: From Sherpur with fragrance and flavor
- Langra Mango: A taste of tradition from Chapainawabganj
- Ashwina Mango: A radiant gem of Chapainawabganj
- Kachagolla: Natore’s iconic sweet
- Chamcham: The sweet of Tangail means Porabari
- Rasmalai: Rasmalai of Cumilla
- Khaja: Khaja of Kushtia sesame
- Black Bengal goat: From Kushtia
What are the stipulations of Bangladeshi law?
Under the Geographical Indication of Goods Act 2013, individuals who falsify geographical indications or apply for them falsely can be prosecuted. If convicted, they may face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine ranging from Tk50,000 to Tk2 lakh, or both. However, enforcement challenges persist due to inadequate law enforcement, low awareness, and bureaucratic delays.
India’s Intellectual Property Act passed in 1991 and enacted in 2003, allowed India to gain recognition for GI products a decade earlier than Bangladesh. As per WIPO data, India boasted 330 GI products by 2018, including 21 from West Bengal. Presently, India counts around 421 GI products in its repertoire.
Goods with GI tags in India that are well-known in Bangladesh
There are certain products that either have applications pending for Geographical Indication (GI) tags or are well-known in Bangladesh but already hold GI tags in India. These include Nakshi Kantha, Basmati rice, Moa (a confection made of jaggery and puffed rice), Mihidana, Rasgolla, Gobindobhog rice, Benarasi saree, Lakshmanbhog, Himsagar and Fazli mangoes, and Sundarbans honey. It’s worth noting that a significant portion, around 60%, of Sundarbans honey is produced in the Bangladesh region of the forest.
Despite their origins in Rajshahi, Lakshmanbhog, Himsagar, and Fazli mangoes are claimed by India as products from the region, particularly as Malda came under Indian control post-partition.
Significance of GI tags
The designation of Geographical Indication (GI) signifies the origins and unique identity of a product. In today’s globalized world, individuals or groups can acquire production knowledge and replicate items such as Natore’s Kachagolla elsewhere, yet its essence remains rooted in Natore. Thus, GI registration serves as a vital mechanism for preserving the distinctiveness and heritage of the originating locale.
GI recognition not only adds value to products but also fosters domestic and international branding, streamlines commercial advantages, and facilitates product differentiation from similar offerings.
The Geographical Indication of Goods Act was enacted in 2013, followed by the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) initiating calls for GI product registration in 2015. DPDT’s procedures align with the standards set by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
In terms of the advantages of GI tags, they play a crucial role in offering legal protection for regional and specialty products. They deter unauthorized assertions of ownership on an international scale and may potentially grant exclusive benefits to the country of origin.
To what extent does GI impact a nation’s economy?
Cultural Heritage Preservation:
GI protects unique products tied to a specific geographic region, preserving cultural heritage and traditions. This authenticity attracts tourists and boosts local economies through increased tourism revenue.
Economic Growth:
GI products often command higher prices due to their reputation and quality, leading to increased income for producers. This stimulates economic growth, especially in rural areas where GI products are typically produced.
International Trade Advantage:
GI status enhances a country’s competitiveness in international markets by differentiating its products from generic counterparts. This helps expand export opportunities and improves trade balance.
Rural Development:
GI designation encourages sustainable agricultural practices and fosters local entrepreneurship, revitalizing rural economies and reducing urban migration.
Intellectual Property Protection:
GI safeguards against imitation and counterfeiting, preserving the integrity of traditional products and ensuring fair compensation for producers. This promotes innovation and creativity within local industries.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directive during the Cabinet meeting underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to safeguarding Geographic Indication (GI) for its products. Recent gazette acknowledgments by the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks signify a proactive approach towards protecting traditional products like Tangail Saree, Amrit Sagar Banana, and Rasgolla. The controversy sparked by India’s GI recognition of the Tangail saree highlights the importance of GI certification in asserting ownership over cultural heritage. Bangladesh’s legislative efforts, including the Geographical Indication of Goods Act, aim to provide legal safeguards and economic benefits for regional products. Ultimately, GI certification not only preserves cultural heritage but also stimulates economic growth, promotes international trade, fosters rural development, and protects intellectual property rights.
