PM Hasina proudly wears Tangail sari to claim Bangladesh's ownership

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she has only worn Tangail sari in the last couple of days to show the world that this heritage belongs to Bangladesh. 

“For the last couple of days, I wore Tangail saree to show that it is ours. No one else can take it, she said.

The prime minister made the comments during a press conference on the outcomes of her recent three-day visit to Munich in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference 2024.

She also showed the sari from Shafipur she was wearing and praised the design.

Recently, The Patent Office recognized Tangail sari as GI product Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Industries Ministry has recognized the "Tangail Sari" as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of the country. 

The DPDT recognizes and certifies GI products under the Ministry of Industry in accordance with the norms of the International Property Rights Organization (WIPO).

The controversy started when the Ministry of Culture of India asserted that the famous Tangail sari, a symbol of Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage, actually originates from West Bengal, India. 

The claim was made via a Facebook post on the official page of the Ministry of Culture, sparking criticism and humour on social media.

The post claims: “The Tangail sari, originating from West Bengal, is a traditional handwoven masterpiece. Renowned for its fine texture, vibrant colors, and intricate Jamdani motifs, it epitomizes the region’s rich cultural heritage. Each Tangail saree is a testament to skilled craftsmanship, seamlessly weaving together tradition and elegance.”

The claim has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with netizens expressing discontent and questioning the authenticity of such a statement from an important ministry.