Geographical Indicator Product of Bangladesh, Jamdani: Possibilities of Community Development for the Weavers of Traditional Cottage Handloom Industry

In Bangladesh, where pre-industrial traditions are still active ‘folk arts or crafts’, but artisans belong to socially and economically marginalized households, as in the lower caste system. Traditionally, they contribute their knowledge of local materials. Their visual and tactile connections to cultural identities and integrity among communities had been profound. Jamdani have been successful in acquiring a Geographical Indicator (GI) Certification but facing threat from the spurious garments production of nearby Narayanganj, the backbone of the country’s economy; RMG. Though, there is a large demand of Jamdani clothes and fabrics for their distinct style only in the fashion houses and boutique shops, they are falling behind for their low rate of production, low wedge earning and lack of skilled workers. Method: The methodology of study will follow an extensive sociological field survey and by explaining proper number of cases, their need and opportunities found in reality and compare it with the facts inscribed in literature review of previous scholars. Possible findings: This study will focus and derive some propositions for community development and suggest some solutions: introduce automatic or semi-automatic loom, provide training to the weavers and ease the institutional marketing policy. Therefore, an incorporated Jamdani handloom development to implement handloom marketing-documentation is needed to engage with local communities for developing creative solutions and sustainability in local economies. Tangible and intangible resources must be addressed holistically, treated with due respect and carefully unveiled as cultural assets to prevent its extinction.