After getting recognised as a GI product, a request for the delivery of 1,600 packets of Bogra Yogurt has been received by the Akbaria Hotel Authority from the United States of America. People from a variety of countries are placing orders for this Bogra city business to supply them with yogurt; among them is the United States. According to the owner of Akbaria Hotel, Hasan Ali Alal, “orders from outside the country increased” after Bogra yogurt was labeled as a Geographical Indication(GI) product. As far as Hasan Ali Alal is concerned, there are a number of issues that are preventing them from fulfilling the orders that are coming in. Curd cannot be kept for an extended period using the present method. More innovative approaches are required to increase curd’s export popularity. But, the good part is a lot of orders are coming since the GI indication and it is growing in numbers, every day.
Products that can be traced back to a particular location and are known for their distinctive characteristics or traits sometimes bear the mark of a geographical indicator (GI). The presence of indicators that specify the place of origin is an essential requirement for products to function as GIs. By limiting the use of the trademark to authorised producers registered in the designated location, this designation safeguards the product’s reputation and ensures its genuineness. Taking everything accounted for, manufacturers and producers benefit economically from geographical indication protection. In addition, the marketing and promotion of items that have been tagged with the Geographical Indication (GI) contribute to the enhancement of secondary economic activity in that particular region, which in turn contributes to the growth of the regional economy.
Geographical indications are very useful tools for countries. They prevent the theft or alteration of a community’s intellectual property or cultural identity by acting as protectors of cultural heritage. They ensure that customers obtain authentic products with assured features, leading to higher prices and more market access for manufacturers. Additionally, GIs promote economic growth in specific geographic regions and provide a voice to local populations, all of which contribute to rural development.
By preserving traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, and culinary heritage, Geographical Indications (GIs) also contribute to the enhancement of local culture. To ensure the preservation and celebration of items with strong roots in local traditions, they offer legal protection. Inspiring economic sustainability and cultural pride, GIs support local communities, craftspeople, and farmers by encouraging authenticity and quality. Geographical indicators also play an important role as cultural ambassadors, bringing in visitors and shoppers looking for genuine experiences. Local cultures flourish when GI-protected items are well-known and enjoyed; this results in an extensive mix of customs, tastes, and stories that strengthen communities and ensure their cultural legacy is preserved for years to come.
GI boosting Bangladesh’ Culture, Economy and Tourism: Geographical Indications (GIs) are crucial for preserving and advancing Bangladesh’s cultural heritage as well. GIs are important markers of origin and excellence for goods with a strong cultural identity of the country in which they originate. GIs contribute to the preservation of traditional manufacturing and handicraft techniques that are essential to Bangladesh’s heritage. Goods with centuries-old handcrafted processes and cultural symbolism include Jamdani sarees, Nakshi Kantha fabrics, sweets of Tangail or Muktagacha, pottery from areas like Rangamati and Jessore and so on. Bangladesh may guarantee that the distinctive abilities and expertise passed down over the generations are honoured and maintained by designating these items with GIs.
The culinary landscape of Bangladesh is a mosaic of flavours and customs that reflect the country’s historical and cultural legacy as well as its regional variety. Traditional techniques, ingredients, and cooking methods linked with classic dishes such as Hilsa fish from the Padma river, Pitha cakes during winter festivals, and the savoury flavours of traditional Bengali cuisine are protected by GIs, which play an important role in the preservation of these elements. It is possible for Bangladesh to preserve its rich culinary legacy despite the increasing prevalence of standardized food products around the world if it protects these culinary traditions with Geographical Indications (GIs).
The provision of economic possibilities and the maintenance of the communities’ cultural identities are two ways in which GIs empower local communities. Small-scale farmers, artisans, and indigenous people all throughout Bangladesh are responsible for the production of a significant number of traditional goods that are connected with GIs. Bangladesh ensures that local producers receive recognition and appropriate pay for their craftsmanship by safeguarding these items with Geographical Indications (GIs). This helps to establish community bonds and promote sustainable livelihoods.
GIs are extremely precious commodities that contribute to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of cultural tourism. Products with Geographical Indications (GIs), such as handcrafted textiles, pottery, and culinary delights, are attractive to travellers who are shopping for genuine cultural experiences. Bangladesh has the ability to attract tourists who are interested in experiencing its colourful cultural tapestry by displaying the distinctive stories and customs that are associated with GI-protected products. They can do this while simultaneously supporting local artists and communities.
The use of GIs helps to increase the global visibility of Bangladeshi cultural products and their competitiveness in the market. Not only do internationally recognized geographical indications (GIs) such as “Bangladeshi Jamdani” or “Sundarbans Honey” guarantee consumers that the products they purchase are genuine and of high quality, but they also differentiate Bangladeshi goods in the international market. In order to protect its cultural heritage from imitations and unfair competition, Bangladesh is able to enter worldwide markets through the utilization of geographical indications (GIs).
Challenges GI products are facing in Bangladesh:
Bangladesh has yet to gain from products granted geographical indication (GI) designation owing to a lack of effort by stakeholders, despite the fact that recognition improves product reputation, develops customer trust, and leads to higher prices.
Mango producer and seller Ajom Ali was overjoyed in 2019 when his Khirsapati mango variety from Chapainawabganj was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, believing it would significantly enhance his company. Nothing came of it, though, and years went by. Accordingly, Ajom Ali paid no attention to the news when three further mango varieties—Chapainawabganj, Langra, Ashwina, and Fajli—received GI certificates. His reasoning was obvious. “I don’t see how these certifications help people like me or do any good to improve the business of these products.”
Bangladesh currently offers 28 GI products. Anxieties have been building for the possibility of increased demand for Jamdani sarees on a global scale ever since the GI Act was passed in Bangladesh in 2013 and the DPDT certified them in 2016. However, very few of Bangladesh’s cultural artefacts have made it beyond the country’s borders, and many of these objects are completely out of circulation. Many reasons, according to experts, have contributed to these extraordinary cultural artefacts’ underrepresented status on the international stage. These include, but are not limited to, a lack of thorough documentation, apathy on the part of the public and private sectors, an emphasis on quantity rather than quality, and an overall lack of investment in research and documentation.
In 2015, Jamdani, a traditional Narayanganji sari made from fine muslin, was designated as a GI product. The nation has never before seen such an acknowledgement. The authorities claim that no Jamdani sari has been GI-tagged as of yet. Similar considerations applied to Rangpur’s Shotronji, which received GI certification in 2019. The Department of Fisheries applied for GI recognition for Hilsa fish in 2017 and for black tiger shrimp in 2022. In 2022, the fish were granted the status. Md Zillur Rahman, assistant director general of the Department of Fisheries, said that till now, no merchant has offered Hilsa or black tiger shrimp with GI labelling.
Ecologist and researcher Pavel Partha and others have noted that GI is not meant to guarantee an instant hit with consumers. Partha focuses on ecological variety, regional ecosystems, and occupational groups that use GI goods. We need to get GI on board with the idea that these antique goods can’t be mass-produced. To keep up with the international standard of GI, prices will remain expensive, and the market will remain small. Consequently, making sure certification and manufacturing are both of high quality should be the key goal. In comparison to other GI goods from other nations, Jamdani has a harder time reaching consumers, even though it has been a GI product since 2016. The export process is not well controlled. Therefore there is a dearth of data about the size of the Dhakai Jamdani market and relatively modest export volumes, despite the fact that Jamdani is shipped to numerous countries, including the US, Europe, the Middle East, and India.
More people should know about these products as an eco-friendly substitute for common household items. This needs to happen abroad as well as at home. To better incorporate these goods into our daily lives, we can do things like use nakshi kanthas as bedsheets, cook local cuisine with molasses instead of sugar, and serve sweet betel leaf at weddings and other special events. Over time, these products will become associated with Bangladeshi culture, establishing a unique brand for us.
It is critical that the people of Bangladesh actively promote these GI-certified items to preserve the country’s rich indigenous traditions and history. Whether on business or vacation, a proud Bangladeshi may support local artisans and farmers by purchasing their wares. Local farmers and artisans involved in the production and sale of these goods will see an increase in their incomes as a result, and the economy of those areas will also get a boost.
Author: Muhammad Mujtaba
