Tangail saree has been recognized as a GI (Geographical Indication) product by the Department of Handicrafts, Government of West Bengal, India. After that, there was a storm of controversy about it.
Meanwhile, the Department of Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Ministry of Industry has recognized Tangail Saree as a Geographical Indication (GI) product on Wednesday (February 7).
Industry Secretary Zakia Sultana said that the gazette will be published on Thursday (February 8). Those concerned said that an application for international recognition will be made later.
Those concerned said that since India has already declared Tangail saree as their GI product, legal issues are being considered. If necessary, initiatives will be taken to find a solution through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Earlier, on Tuesday (February 6) at noon, the Deputy Commissioner of Tangail applied to the ministry through e-mail to get recognition of GI products. Kaycharul Islam.
On January 2, Phuliya of Nadia district got the status of geographical indication of traditional Tangail woven sarees. And it is also true that Tangail loom saree is world famous and its geographic location is in Bangladesh.
Fulia weavers are also embarrassed to answer such questions. For example, the Indian central government’s recognition of handloom industry in 2021 came as a surprise to Biren Kumar Basak, a Padma Shri awardee, whose ancestral home is in Tangail, Bangladesh.
In his words, “the issue should be seen by the two concerned governments.However, he added, “Since Phulia-Tangail loom sarees have got GI recognition, they are happy about it.”
Biren Kumar Basak himself admitted that the origin of Tangail loom saree is in Tangail district of Bangladesh. And almost all the weavers of Phulia come from East Bengal.
Ashwini Kumar Basak, official of Fulia Progressive Fiber Association, said that he came to Fulia from Bangladesh after passing secondary school. Joined in the development of weaving industry. There are about 405 weavers in this cooperative. Although many have left this profession now after Corona. He said that his friends and relatives in Tangail were also angry about the matter after getting the GI of the looms of Tangail.