Ownership of Tangail saree will be Bangladesh’s: Industries minister

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun has expressed hope that Bangladesh will get the ownership of Tangail Saree after the legal battle.

He said this at a ceremony organised to distribute GI certificates of 14 products in the capital on Thursday (April 25).

Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said, “India is our neighboring country. It may happen that they also manufacture the product and that is why they also are claiming ownership. Anyone can do it. Surely, our claim is right and we hope Tangail saree will be ours, Bangladesh's.”

Bangladesh was shocked when the provincial government of West Bengal in India recognized Tangail saree as its own GI product on February 1. Both West Bengal and Bangladesh moved to court to get ownership of the traditional product. After that, the industries ministry became active in increasing the list of GI products. In continuation of this, the ministry today gave the certificate of 14 products including Tangail saree and date molasses of Jashore.

The minister said, “Due unique features like soil, air, water, environment, and skills of artisans, there are numerous geographical indications or GI products spread all over the country. In addition to providing GI certificates, attention should be paid to their quality and sustainable preservation.”

Humayun said, "We have to take effective initiatives and steps now to promote and spread GI products in the world market. Bangladesh missions abroad, all international and domestic airports and important places of the country should be exhibit these products. Moreover, GI products can be displayed at various fairs at home and abroad.”

In addition to Tangail saree, Rasgolla from Gopalganj, Amrit Sagar Kala from Narsingdi, Chamcham from Porabari of Tangail, Rasmalai from Comilla, Khaja from Kushtia, Black Bengal goat from Bangladesh, Haribhanga mango from Rangpur, Agar Atar from Moulvibazar, Monda from Muktagacha, Date Molasses from Jashore, Sweet Betel Leaf of Rajshahi and Nakshikantha of Jamalpur were recognized as GI products in the event.

At present, the number of traditional products of Bangladesh stands at 31.