Jamdani originated in Dhaka: Study
Dhaka, June 18 (UNB) – Jamdani, the only surviving variety of the world renowned ‘Muslin’ from the ancient period, originated in Dhaka while the ecological context of production of cotton and finished Jamadni products are unique in the Dhaka region, a study finds.
Considering all the historical, geographical, commercial and cultural contexts of Jamdani, the study suggests that Dhaka was and still is its only true centre of production.
Researcher Dr Iftekhar Iqbal, a teacher of history at the Dhaka University, unveiled the findings of his study, titled ‘Protection of Jamdani as a Geographical Indication in Bangladesh’, at a discussion on Tuesday.
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and the National Crafts Council of Bangladesh (NCCB) jointly organised the discussion on protecting geographical indication products in the context of Bangladesh and way forward at Cirdap auditorium in the city.
India registered Jamdani as Uppada Jamdani Sarees from Andhra Pradesh in 2009. However, the study shows that there is no combination of geographical, ecological, historical or commercial conditions elsewhere in the world except Dhaka where Jamdani can be produced and traded on a vast scale, both nationally and internationally.
The brand name of Jamdani was first applied around mid-16th century or perhaps earlier.
Showing historical and cultural evidences, the study claims that Jamdani has formed part of national culture and heritage of Bangladesh and such long-term cultural and historical continuity of Jamdani is not matched anywhere else in the world.
Jamdani’s irrefutable connection with Dhaka is also clearly reflected in many global trade and exhibitions in both historical and contemporary times.
Dr Iftekhar Iqbal said Jamdani has to be a unique name, whose geographical location indicator must be Dhaka, not Dhakai Jamdani.
“In other words, Dhaka and Jamdani are synonymous, hence India’s registration of Uppada Jamdani under its geographical indication law is illegal and a violation of existing Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) regulation,” he said.
The researcher said Bangladesh has already introduced the Geographical Indicative Products (Registration and Protection) Act 2013 and the global community has recognised Jamdani as Bangladesh’s own product.
He urged the government and international trade organisations to take effective measures to restore Jamdani as Dhaka’s own product and heritage.
UNESCO has recently recognised Jamdani as a Bangladeshi ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’.
CPD’s distinguished fellow and noted economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, chairperson of Ain o Shalish Kendra Dr Hamida Hossain and Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla, among others, spoke at the discussion.
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Jamdani originated in Dhaka: Study | UNB Connect
Jamdani originated in Dhaka: Study | UNB Connect
