Bangladesh registers Jamdani as first GI product

Bangladesh today registered Jamdani, one of the world's finest and classic Muslin craft, as its first Geographical Indication (GI) product, a move that will help in branding the product in the international market.
"Weavers now can apply to the DPDT (Patents, Designs and Trademarks) to use the GI logo while marketing the famous Jamdani saree and other Jamdani products both locally and internationally," Industries minister Amir Hossain Amu told a media briefing as he handed over the GI registration certificate to Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC).
"Today Bangladesh stepped forward to protect the rights on traditional and national products and we now expect all other national products including Hilsha (fish) to secure the GI registration in phases," the minister said.

According to World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), GI is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin such as a town, region, or a country.
The use of GI may also act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin.
Bangladesh's capital Dhaka was regarded as the hub of Jamdani for centuries while it was earlier patronised by Mughal emperors but during the subsequent British rule the industry rapidly declined due to colonial import policies favoring industrially manufactured textiles.

Jamdani industry witnessed a revival as a heritage in recent years.
DPDT hopes that the GI registration will help in protecting the national heritage and also increase the market value of this traditional and much sought after product.