The law will protect patent rights of indigenous products
The cabinet on Monday in principle approved the draft Geographical Indication Bill-2013 aimed at safeguarding the patent rights of the country’s century-old indigenous products like Jamdani sari, Hilsha of Padma, Nakshi Kantha and Fazli mango of Rajshahi.
The proposed GI law, if enacted, would give an international right to Bangladesh’s traditional products against piracy.
Cabinet secretary Muhammad Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told reporters that the cabinet meeting held at the Sangsad Bhaban with prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair approved the draft bill.
Earlier, industries minister Dilip Barua told newsmen that the government planned to get the GI bill passed in this session of parliament.
As per the bill, the industries ministry will open a geographical indication wing under the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, with the chief of the wing being the registrar of geographical indications of goods.
To register a product, the association or co-operative dealing in a product will have to apply; no individual will be allowed to register a product, according to the draft.
If any party wants to oppose the listing, it will have to complain to the GI wing within 60 days from the date of the newspaper circular. The registration of GI goods will be valid for ten years with an option for renewal for another 10 years.
The cabinet on Monday also approved the draft amendment bill to protect people with disabilities and their rights aimed at upgrading the existing law in this regard.
People with disabilities will be given identity cards, according to the proposed law titled Rights and Protection for People with Disabilities Bill 2013’. In case of forged identify card, culprits will be given seven years’ imprisonment and fined Tk five lakh.
The cabinet secretary told newsmen that a central coordination committee led by social welfare minister would help implement the law. Besides, committees will be formed led by the social welfare secretary and deputy commissioners in all the districts.
The cabinet also approved in principle the draft amendment bill for compulsory use of jute cover to promote the eco-friendly natural fibre.
-With New Age input
