Gopalganj's traditional bronze jewellery has been recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product.
This is the second product from the district to receive this recognition.
Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner Kazi Mahbubul Alam confirmed the news, and said that the Department of Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks under the Ministry of Industries published the journal on Thursday.
This publication, made in accordance with Section 12 of the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 2013, officially registers Gopalganj's bronze jewellery as a GI product.
This recognition is expected to promote the tradition of bronze jewellery from Jalirpar in Muksudpur upazila globally.
"We believe it will also help improve employment opportunities and the living standards of artisans involved in bronze jewellery making. The bronze industrial economy will become more dynamic, leading to an overall improvement in the socio-economic condition of the area," added Alam.
On March 12 this year, the district administration applied to the concerned ministries and departments for recognition of the GI product of bronze jewellery of Jalirpar.
Subhash Baidya, a businessman of Bronze Market and former member of Ward No 7 of Jalirpar Union, said: "The village known for making bronze jewellery was established in our ward about 100 years ago. Over time, it spread from house to house throughout Jalirpar Union, gaining national fame. Eventually, the reputation of Jalirpar's bronze jewellery reached foreign markets. However, the industry has not embraced modernity.”
He added that recently, bronze jewellery from various countries, including India, has captured about 50% of the local market.
Despite this competition, the bronze jewellery industry of Jalirpar has continued to sustain hundreds of families. There are still 45 shops in the Jalirpar Bronze Market where bronze jewellery is sold, he said.
Earlier, Rosogolla from Gopalganj received GI recognition as the first product in the district.