The Bagda or Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) of Bangladesh has got the GI product certificate (Recognition of Geographical Indication Product). The Black Tiger shrimp was recognized in the Geographical Indication Registration Certificate said by Janendra Nath Sarkar, Registrar of the Directorate of Patents, Designs and Trademarks of the Ministry of Industry.
Bangladesh Fisheries department have applied to get the GI certificate for Black Tiger shrimp in May 2019 with the intention to brand this exclusive export item internationally. The Department of Designs and Trademarks issued gazette notification and published in two International Journal on October 6, 2021.
As per rules, if no one objects within two months of its publication in the journal, there is no bar to get the GI certificate for the product. December 6th of 2021 was the last day to place an object on this claim. Since no other country objected to it during this period, Bangladesh got the GI certificate as the first applicant. As a result, the sole ownership of Black Tiger shrimp is now entitled to Bangladesh only.
The issued certificate states, “It is to be certified that, under the name of the Department of Fisheries, the Black Tiger Shrimp is registered as Bangladesh GI product, by class 29 & 31, no GI-11, effective from 04-July-2019.”
A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.
Black Tiger Shrimp or Bagda Shrimp is found in several countries in Asia. But the features it has here will not match to any other. Especially because of the taste and aroma, it stands out among all. The Bagda shrimp has its fame across the globe among the seafood enthusiast.
Jamdani shari (a heritage woman dress) got the first GI certificate in the country. Later Muslin of Dhaka, Silk from Rajshahi, Shataranji (woven rug) from Rangpur, Saadamati (white clay) from Netrakona, Kataribhog rice from Dinajpur, Kalijira rice, Hilsa fish and Khirsapat mango from Chapainawabganj got recognition as GI products. These products are known all over the world as Bangladesh’s own products.
