Bangladesh loses GI status of Sundarbans honey due to negligence: CPD
Staff Correspondent
The Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has blamed the authorities' negligence for losing the Geographical Indication (GI) status of Sundarbans’ honey.
CPD, during a press conference, said that two-thirds of Sundarbans’ honey is collected from areas in Bangladesh, whereas India collects comparatively less honey from the forest.
In this context, Bangladesh could rightfully claim the GI status of Sundarbans honey, but it missed out due to the negligence on the part of the respective authorities, CPD said.
While addressing a press conference at its Dhanmondi office in Dhaka on Wednesday, CPD’s distinguished fellows Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya said there is a lack of concern from relevant authorities regarding the GI status of Tangail sarees and Sundarbans' honey.
Lack of skill, capability and accountability among the respective authorities are responsible for the loss, Debapriya said.
Speaking at the press conference, CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun said, “If we do not secure GI status for our traditional products, we cannot rightfully claim them as our own.
If these products are not recognised as GI products of Bangladesh, those can be claimed by other countries, she said.
