Three new items gain GI status

Three new items -- date molasses of Jessore, sweet betel leaf of Rajshahi and nakshi kantha of Jamalpur -- have been recognised as Geographical Indicator (GI) products status.

So far, Bangladesh has acquired ownership of a total of 31 GI products, according to an Industries Ministry press release.

No other country or individual in the world can claim ownership of these products.

GI is a special name or symbol used for a material that is determined by the geographical location or source (such as a country, region, or city) of a particular item.

Geographically recognised materials ensure certain quality standards or specific manufacturing systems or specialties. The biggest advantage of GI products is the branding of products in the global market, which puts GI products ahead of any other equivalent product.

The Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) recognises and certifies GI products under the Ministry of Industry in accordance with the norms of the International Property Rights Organisation (WIPO).

In 2013, the Geographical Indication Products (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted. In 2015, the DPDT called for the registration of GI products after the formulation of the Act.