Originating from Bangladesh’s Tangail district, Tangail saris have long been integral to our cultural heritage. However, a contentious decision has awarded West Bengal the geographical indication (GI) tag for Tangail saris, sparking heated debates.
On February 1, 2024, India’s Ministry of Culture claimed on Facebook that the Tangail saree, originating from West Bengal, is a traditional handwoven masterpiece.
The Deputy General Manager of the Bangladesh Handloom Board, Ratan Chandra Saha, expressed surprise and announced plans for a meeting to address the issue.
Renowned designer and President of the NCCB, Chandra Shekhar Saha, called for the government to initiate obtaining the GI tag.
Critics, like veteran Tangail sari craftsman Raghunath Basak, questioned India’s claim to the GI tag. He argued that saris produced in West Bengal should be recognized as products of specific districts, not Tangail saris.
The Basak community, integral to Tangail sari weaving in Bangladesh, migrated to India during the Partition, spreading their textile craftsmanship traditions across borders. Concerns were raised about the delay in Bangladesh’s GI application for Tangail saris.
Munira Emdad, the proprietor of Tangail Saree Kutir Ltd., expressed disappointment over India’s GI recognition for Tangail saris
