An examination of the Rangpur Shataranji GI registration — Bangladesh's landmark geographical indication success story — and lessons for protecting other traditional products.

Legal Framework

The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 2013 provides for registration of indications that identify goods as originating from a territory, region, or locality where a given quality, reputation, or characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

GI protection supports artisan communities, prevents misappropriation of regional names, and adds export value for authentic handicraft and agricultural products.

The Rangpur Shataranji Story

Shataranji — hand-woven carpet and textile craft — is historically associated with Rangpur in northern Bangladesh. Artisans produce distinctive patterns using traditional looms and techniques passed across generations.

With WIPO and government support, stakeholders pursued GI registration to protect the name against misuse on machine-made or non-Rangpur products. The registration process required:

  • Documenting historical and cultural association with Rangpur
  • Defining production standards and artisan eligibility
  • Establishing a producer association or authorised user body
  • Linking quality characteristics to regional craftsmanship

Registration strengthened market trust and opened doors for export promotion under an authenticated regional brand.

Registration Procedure in Brief

  1. Identify the indication and product class
  2. Form or engage a producers' organisation
  3. Prepare the statement of case describing geographic boundary and product qualities
  4. File application with supporting maps, historical records, and production rules
  5. Examination and publication for objection
  6. Registration and post-registration compliance monitoring

Lessons for Other Bangladeshi Products

Many products are GI-ready: Rajshahi silk, Comilla handloom textiles, Satkhira mango, Hilsha branding debates, terracotta crafts, and regional sweets. Success factors include:

  • Strong producer collective governance
  • Documented traditional knowledge and regional reputation
  • Quality control mechanisms enforceable against members
  • Export-oriented branding and customs recordation where available

Enforcement

GI misuse — applying "Shataranji" or similar names to non-compliant goods — may be challenged through administrative proceedings and civil actions for passing off or false trade description. Border measures remain developing but documentation assists market enforcement.

Conclusion

The Rangpur Shataranji GI demonstrates that Bangladesh's GI law is not theoretical. With coordinated producer effort and professional legal support, traditional goods can achieve protected status that benefits rural economies and national brand identity.