Chhanamukhi, a beloved sweetmeat from Brahmanbaria, has officially been recognized as a geographical indication (GI) product, affirming its unique cultural significance.
Md Majnu Bhuiyan, assistant director of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT), confirmed that Bangladesh is now the sole owner of this distinct sweet.
Chhanamukhi has been registered under GI-75 in the Geographical Indication Registration Book since April 8.
The application for this recognition was submitted by the Brahmanbaria District Commissioner in April 2022, detailing the sweet's history, unique characteristics, and production methods.
According to the Brahmanbaria district administration's website, Chhanamukhi originated during the British colonial period and is known for its labour-intensive production process, requiring approximately seven to eight litres of cow's milk to produce just one kilogram of the sweet, which is currently priced at Tk700 per kg.
The sweet has enjoyed popularity both locally and internationally. Notably, in 1986, Pakistan's then-president General Ziaul Haque praised Chhanamukhi after tasting it at an event at the Bangladesh Embassy in Islamabad, garnering significant media attention in Pakistan.
The DPDT is responsible for recognizing and certifying GI products under the Ministry of Industry, in accordance with the norms of the International Property Rights Organization (WIPO).
The Geographical Indication Products (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted in 2013, paving the way for the registration of GI products, which officially began in 2015.
Chhanamukhi joins the ranks of other notable GI products from Bangladesh, including the Jamdani saree, which was recognized as a GI product for the first time in the country in 2016.
