Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Nov 27, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Chairman Md Saiful Islam has called for maintaining the established standards and quality of the GI product Satranji.
 
“To sustain the growing demand for chess at home and abroad and to further expand this industry, it is very important to produce diverse products by applying new technologies and techniques to survive in the global market,” he said. 
 
He said these while addressing a seminar titled 'What to do in the development and marketing of GI product Satranji industry' held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner today as the chief guest. 
 
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan presided over the seminar organised by Rangpur district BSCIC office.
 
At the beginning of the seminar, Professor of the Department of Marketing of Begum Rokeya University Dr Md Shahjalal presented the keynote speech.
 
The chief guest said that an important catalyst for the industrial sector in Bangladesh is small and cottage industries, which have a deep connection with the country's history and heritage. 
 
“When a product achieves Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, the recognition and prestige of the region concerned increases significantly,” he said. 
 
Regarding the GI recognition of Satranji, he said that it is not only a GI product, but also an important brand identity of Rangpur district. 
 
He also said that there is no alternative to effective promotion in the spread of any product, including Satranji. 
 
Participating entrepreneurs in the open discussion forwarded various suggestions for the development and marketing of the GI product Satranji industry in Rangpur.
 
The suggestions include ensuring training and modernization of artisans, supply of quality raw materials, strengthening marketing in local and international markets, increasing marketing using online platforms and expanding the industry through coordination of government and private initiatives. 
 
They also expressed their views on issues like skilled designers, inadequate supply of raw materials for making Satranji, setting up a central sales center, facilitating credit, and providing training to entrepreneurs.
 
Government officials, small entrepreneurs and media persons were present at the event.