Push for GI tag of local jewellery designs

The geographical indication (GI) recognition of Bangladeshi jewellery products should be introduced for preserving the century-long crafting of the precious metal, experts have observed.

While addressing a seminar after the inauguration of the BAJUS Fair in the capital on Thursday, they also suggested establishing an institute for jewellery research and development.

Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) has organised the three-day exposition at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) to promote investment in the jewellery industry.

To align with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Vision 2041, BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir has planned to organise the mega event for the third time.

Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Rafiqun Nabi and renowned fashion designer Bibi Russell jointly inaugurated the fair while BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir chaired the opening ceremony of the carnival of jewellery products.

Mohila Awami League President Meher Afroz Chumki, BAJUS brand ambassador Momotaz Begom, Bashundhara Group Director Ahmed Ibrahim Sobhan, ABG Bashundhara Director Mostafa Azad Mohiuddin, actress Rokeya Prachy, NEWS24 television’s Chief News Editor Shahnaz Munni, Women and e-Commerce (WE) President Nasima Aktar Nisha and Bashundhara Group Executive Director Jamal Mia were also present on the occasion.

After the opening session, BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir presented souvenirs to the guests. BAJUS Adviser Ruhul Amin Rasel moderated the inaugural ceremony.

Addressing the programme, veteran painter Rafiqun Nabi urged all to promote local designs for upholding the own culture and traditions globally.

“As we move away from tradition, other countries are taking the advantage. That's why today we’re talking about an institute for gold and jewellery. If we can do this, it’ll be possible to preserve our own culture, which is being lost to the western culture,” said Rafiqun Nabi, inventor of Tokai, the longest surviving cartoon character in Bangladesh.

He expressed the hope that the students of Faculty of Fine Art at Dhaka University can leverage their knowledge if BAJUS takes an initiative to set up an institute for jewellery design and research.

“Our country will be a big place of gold. We have dream of exporting gold. An institute is needed for that. The Faculty of Fine Art of Dhaka University has many works on this art. If there’s an institute, everyone can go there,” he said.

Fashion designer Bibi Russell said each district of the country has different designs of jewellery which can be brought under a single platform so that the sector can flourish.

“Gold is not only a woman's wealth, but a family's wealth. As a designer, I’ll talk about it. We have to highlight what we have. There’ll be many competitors. We have some designs of our own that need to be protected. We can get GI certificates for those designs,” she said.

Former State Minister Meher Afroz Chumki expressed her optimistic after visiting the BAJUS Fair for the first time.

“I’m neither a businessman nor a good shopper. Still I buy some gold ornaments every year. In ancient times, boys used to wear jewellery more. Investing in jewellery is investing in future. We’re far ahead of the neighbouring countries in the garment sector and we can do so in the gold industry too,” she said.

Former MP Jinnatul Bakia said women should be trained to become skilled goldsmiths as they understand women's work better.

“The demand for gold has not decreased even though its price has increased. The price of gold is increasing day by day. So, there’s no loss if you buy gold. There’s no loss in buying gold and land. It’s the property of old age,” she said.

Singer Momotaz Begom appreciated the courageous leadership of BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir in reshaping the platform of the country’s traditional jewellers.

“For his effective leadership, BABJUS can achieve the goals he is moving forward with. Women's wealth and future is gold. For this, the campaign space should be increased. Let’s work. Learn more about using old jewellery,” she said.

BAJUS General Secretary Badal Chandra Roy said gold remains as a potential tool of investment as the price of the precious metal never drops amid inflationary pressure. “Gold is a metal that creates bonds between people. Emotion works in it. Gold acts as a companion during crisis. We’ve been working to bring the industry to the next level of development under the leadership of BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir,” he said.

The BAJUS leader reiterated the industry’s demand to the government to review the policy for supporting local entrepreneurs to initiate jewellery export.

The BAJUS officials hoped that the three-day fair will play a role in boosting the domestic jewellery industry and creating a strong position for Bangladesh in the global market.

With the theme “Investment in gold, savings for the future,” some 41 companies are showcasing the strength of the local jewellery industry in this year’s fair.

Foreign dignitaries, including diplomats, appreciated the role of BAJUS in promoting the industry through activation like the BAJUS Fair.

Kosovo’s Deputy Head of Mission Visar Kluna and Sri Lanka Embassy’s First Secretary Srimali Jayarathna visited the fair.

A seminar on the lifestyle of celebrity was held at the expo arena of the fair in the afternoon. Actor Ferdous Ahmed, MP, was the chief guest at the event moderated by Kaler Kantho Editor-in-Chief Imdadul Haq Milan.

Nine companies -- Alankar Niketan, Amin Jewellers, Venus Jewellers, Kunjo Jewellers, Royal Malabar Jewellers, Apan Jewellers, Jarwa House and Rizvy Jewellers -- are participating in the fair with pavilions.

Seventeen other companies -- Diamond Bazaar, Gaurav Jewellers, Alvi Jewellers, IK Jewellers, Chowdhury Gold, Rhea Jewellers, Aftab Jewellers, Diamond House, Royal Diamond, The Diamond Store, Dreamz Instrument Technology, Raj Jewellers, Zaara Gold and Diamond Bangladesh, Zaya Gold and Diamond, Sass International, Pearl Oasis Dhaka, and DDamas -- are showcasing  their products in mini-pavilions.

Fifteen companies taking part with stalls are Golden World Jewellers, IK Jewellers, Gitanjali Jewellers, Ayat Diamonds, Siraj Jewellers, Papri Jewellers, Diamond Palace, Diamond Square, New Bashundhara Jewellers, Raj Jewellers, D Gold Passion, Bangladesh Scientific Instrument Company, Gems Gallery & Diamond, Khokan Jewellers and RN MicroTech.