Brahmanbaria’s famous ’Chhanamukhi’ gains GI status

Chhanamukhi, a unique and beloved sweetmeat from Brahmanbaria, has been recognized as Geographical Indication (GI) product.

Assistant Director of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) Md Majnu Bhuiyan on Sunday confirmed that Bangladesh is now one and only owner of the product, reports BSS.

Brahmanbaria's Chhanamukhi sweet has been registered under GI-75 in the Geographical Indication Registration Book since April 8 of this year. The application for this recognition was submitted by the Brahmanbaria District Commissioner in April 2022, detailing the history, unique characteristics, and production method of the sweet.

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.