The aroma of hilsa has long been the scent of Bangladesh, a story of emotion and love. Now that story has become a right. Bangladesh leads the world not only in hilsa's variety but in its production, and the silver fish is growing more plentiful in the country's seas and rivers. From there comes the proud claim: "Hilsa is ours."

Hilsa has been recognised as Bangladesh's own product. Though no such step was taken in 45 years, this proud identity was secured within a few months, opening the door to many hilsa-based prospects.

Department of Fisheries director general Syed Arif Azad said hilsa is part of life, so they applied to the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks with historical evidence that hilsa is geographically Bangladesh's resource.

Registrar Sanowar Hossain of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks said hilsa had no branding abroad before; from now on, foreign buyers will get the right product, and such products are the nation's heritage and national wealth.

The organisation Build Better Bangladesh works to win international recognition for the country's products. Its Bipasha Matin said it played a role behind the Geographical Indication Act and had submitted a list of 70 products from across Bangladesh to the ministry, on which registration is now based; Jamdani was registered earlier.

Hilsa's main home is now Bangladesh, not only the Padma and Meghna: 65 per cent of the world's hilsa is produced here, and there is new drive to raise production further. The hilsa market is at its peak and prices are low, and everyone wants such recognition to come quickly for the country's other native products.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.