Over the past month, there has been significant uproar nationwide after the Government of West Bengal in India acquired Geographical Indication (GI) rights for the renowned Tangail saree of Bangladesh. Notably, 'Tangail' is not a place in India but one of the 64 districts of Bangladesh. Following the announcement by India's Ministry of Culture on February 1, designating Tangail Sari as a GI product, it became a focal point of discussion in television programmes, social media platforms, and various government entities. While the initial excitement appears to be waning, there is now heightened awareness about GI products and their significance. Hence, it is imperative that we commence the development of a comprehensive GI policy without delay.
Why do we need a GI policy? The absence of such a policy has left us significantly lagging behind. India boasts a total of 500 products on its GI list, whereas Bangladesh only has 21 registered products.
A GI policy would expedite the registration process, leading to an increase in the number of our GI products. It would delineate the responsibilities of different government bodies, ensuring a coordinated approach. If each of Bangladesh's 64 districts adds one local product to the GI list annually, we could potentially gain 64 new GI products per year. This would also benefit the residents of these districts. For instance, if Barisal's hog plum receives GI registration, local farmers will reap the rewards, as the increased demand for hog plum in national and international markets will create export opportunities.
The absence of a well-planned GI policy is why various ministries, district administrations, and educational institutions are not prioritising GI products. It was only after India acquired GI rights for Tangail sari that we witnessed significant concern in our country. India has already claimed GI rights for Sundarban honey and garad silk sari, as well as several other products common in Bangladesh. Instead of merely reacting to these developments, we should formulate a ten-year plan to secure GI rights for 1000 Bangladeshi products. This plan should have clear objectives and detailed strategies to achieve them.
Who should take the initiative to formulate the GI policy? In my view, every ministry should be involved. The Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, responsible for issuing GI certificates, must take the lead. Alongside DPDT, the Ministry of Industry, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), Bangladesh Handloom Board, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should collaborate. The government should devise a year-long plan to formulate a GI Policy involving officials from all ministries.
What are the benefits of a robust GI policy? Foremost, it will expedite the GI registration process, benefiting districts across the country. Currently, we are not focusing on district-level economies, leading to undue pressure on Dhaka and hindering long-term economic growth. To foster district-level economies, emphasis must be placed on GI products, considering the lack of industries outside Dhaka. The government can initiate the development of local industries around GI products.
To establish a thriving GI-driven industry, we require numerous GI products. Increased demand for these products will result in job creation and spur inter-district trade. Enhanced district-level economies will create new export opportunities. Case studies from various countries with GI products indicate that when a district receives GI certification for ten products, the likelihood of exporting one or two products significantly increases. Given our current deficit in GI certification, action must be taken promptly, starting with the formulation of a GI policy.
Kakoly Talokder, President, e-Commerce Development Center(EDC).
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