DHAKA, Jun 26, 2024 (BSS) – Bangladesh should consider framing a legal framework with India for joint protection of shared GI (geographical identification) products, said the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) today.

The leading think-tank came up with the suggestion after Sundarbans' honey was displayed as a GI product of India. The information came to light through a tweet by the West Bengal Forest Department on May 16. 

CPD said West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited applied for GI rights for Sundarbans honey on July 12, 2021, and the GI tag was issued on January 2, 2024. 

“GI products are a grand asset of our country. In order to integrate the resources into the modern economy, these products need to be protected. A legal framework needs to be created with neighboring India for joint protection of shared GI,” said Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the CPD, at a press conference at its Dhanmondi office here.

Large part of Sundarbans territory lies within Bangladesh but Sundarbans' honey was displayed as a GI product of India which is really a matter of concern for Bangladesh side, he added.

Debapriya Bhattacharya said Bangladesh is the primary extractor of Sundarbans' honey and about 200-300 tonnes of honey is extracted from the forest annually, although there is no official record about the amount of collected honey.   

Bangladesh's Department of Patent, Designs and Trademark (DPDT) has listed 31 GI products as of April 30, 2024. This list does not include the Sundarbans' honey.

However, the district administration of Bagerhat filed an application for the GI tag of Sundarbans honey on August 7, 2017, and there has been no development since then, the CPD said. 

CPD urged the government to join the European Union's Regional Agreement and the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement, 2015. Once both Bangladesh and India sign up for the Geneva Act, discussions can be initiated on submitting joint applications under the law for all trans-border GIs, it added. 

The GI is a name or sign used on some particular products to certify that they possess certain qualities enabled by the environment, weather and culture of a country. This facilitates branding highlights traditions and reputations in the global market and creates a separate demand for the product.

CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun, its distinguished fellow Professor Mustafizur Rahman and Programme Associate Naima Jahan Trisha also spoke at the event.