One of Brahmanbaria’s most distinctive and popular sweetmeats, chhanamukhi, has been designated as a Geographical Indication (GI) product.
Bangladesh is now the sole owner of the product, according to confirmation made today by Md. Majnu Bhuiyan, Assistant Director of the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT).
Since April 8 of this year, Brahmanbaria’s Chhanamukhi sweet has been listed in the Geographical Indication Registration Book under GI-75. The Brahmanbaria District Commissioner filed the application for this recognition in April 2022, including a thorough account of the sweet’s origins, distinctive qualities, and manufacturing process.
According to the Brahmanbaria district administration’s website, Chhanamukhi originated in Brahmanbaria during the British colonial period. The sweet is known for its labour-intensive process, with around seven to eight litres of cow’s milk required to produce just one kilogramme of Chhanamukhi, which currently sells for Taka 700 per kg.
The sweet has long held a special place in both local and international circles. Notably, in 1986, Pakistan’s then-president General Ziaul Haque praised the delicacy after tasting it at an event at the Bangladesh Embassy in Islamabad. His compliments were widely reported in Pakistani media at the time.
The DPDT recognizes and certifies GI products under the Ministry of Industry in accordance with the norms of the International Property Rights Organization (WIPO).
In 2013, the Geographical Indication Products (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted. In 2015, the DPDT called for the registration of GI products after the formulation of the Act.
It is mentionable that Jamdani saree was recognized as a GI product for the first time in Bangladesh in 2016.
