The argument that is being presented that after partition the Hindu weavers of Tangail fled to India and later weaved sarees in West Bengal is not true. The truth is that not only Hindu but also Muslim weavers have been making Tangail sarees for a long time. The argument given by India in this regard is not justified.
It is important that Bangladesh brings forward supporting data and arguments to avail GI certification for its products. Any dispute arising on GI issue with India or any other country should be resolved through discussion. And if the matter cannot be resolved bilaterally, Bangladesh should be bound by the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883), the Madrid Agreement on Indications of Source (1891), the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Origin and their International Registration, etc. Should go on international platform. (1958) and WTO’s Trade-Related Intellectual Property Law (TRIPS-1994).
Let us tell you that 21 products of Bangladesh including Jamdani saree, Hilsha fish, Rajshahi silk and Dhaka muslin have got GI certificate. We hope that the government will take necessary steps to get GI recognition for our own and traditional products.
