Assignment Topic : Bangladesh’s Geographical Indication (GI) Products Through the Lens of

the Theory of Desirable Difficulty.

Course Title: Communication and Technology

Course Code: MSJ 2101
Section: 04

Faculty Name: Muhammad Aminuzzaman

Senior Lecturer
Bachelor of Social Science
Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ)
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh

Name:Afsana Mimi
ID:211011065
Bachelor of Business Administration

Date Of Submission : 19th February 2024

Introduction: A Geographical Indication(GI) is usually the name of the place a product is
from, like the geographical name "Jamaica Blue Mountain" or "Darjeeling." But it’s non
geographical names like "Vinho Verde" or "Cava," and even symbols connected to a place.
A geographical indication(GI) is a special mark on products that come from a particular place
and have special qualities or a good reputation because they come from there.
The Theory of Desirable Difficulty proposes that overcoming challenges aids learning and skill
development. This holds true for Bangladeshi GI artisans who navigate obstacles to create
enduring works of art.
Among the 25 Geographical Indications (GI) I’m writing the blog on 3 GI products of
Bangladesh.

Jamdani Sari: Jamdani, a type of muslin fabric that has survived over time through a labor
intensive process but is known for its beautiful geometric or floral patterns. Every year,
Bangladeshi weavers create over 200,000 pieces of Jamdani sarees and about 68,000 people
are connected to the Jamdani industry in various ways, and it has been acknowledged as a
world heritage by UNESCO. Despite the difficulties, their dedication to preserving this ancient
craft shines through, ensuring that each saree is a masterpiece of tradition and artistry
embodying the essence of Bangladeshi culture.

"Dhakai Jamdani Sari: Stitching Bangladesh's Story, One Elegant Pattern at a Time." Courtesy:
Wikipedia

Ilish: The famous Ilish fish comes from the Padma River in Bangladesh, which is the main part
of the Ganges River. In 2021, Bangladesh provided 86% of the world's Ilish fish and about
1.15% of the country's total money earned (GDP) . But there are problems like too much fishing
and issues with the environment that might make it hard for Ilish to survive. Also the process of
catching Ilish fish from the Padma River to serve it on the dinner table is full of challenges.
Fishermen face rough waters and unpredictable weather, showing their determination and skill
as they work. But their effort to keep catching Ilish shows how much they care about
Bangladesh's food traditions and environment.
"Illish: Bangladesh's Culinary Crown, Symbolizing Tradition and Taste." Courtesy: Daily Sun.

SitalPati : A traditional craft called Sitalpati has been creating smooth and intricately designed
mats for centuries by weaving strips of a green cane called "Murta." These mats aren't just for
practical use; they represent Bengal's rich culture and skilled artisans. The craft mainly helps
sylheti people make money and is important for their identity. Families usually do it together,
which brings them closer and makes their community stronger. Crafting Sitalpati mats demands
patience and careful attention to details , as artisans weave through the challenges to produce
mats known for their smoothness and beautiful designs. Despite the hard work involved,Sitalpati
craftsmen persist, recognizing that their mats represent more than just household items ,they
symbolize cultural heritage and family togetherness.

Sitalpati : The silk like mats of Bangladesh that bring comfort and style to your home. Courtesy: Monirul
Masum , Bangladesh ,2014

Conclusion: In short, through the lens of desirable difficulties these products show how
tradition and new ideas work together, created by people who see challenges as chances to
learn and keep things alive. Despite facing challenges, people in Bangladesh work hard to
protect their culture. Their efforts highlight the value of tradition, inspiration and the resilience of
the Bangladeshi people.
"Geographical indications are not just markers of heritage and culture, but also give our to lit up
their lives portunity”
Daren Tang
WIPO Director General

ChatGPT Prompt :

Theme: Theory of Desirable Difficulty

Topic: Write a blog article on Bangladeshi Geographical Indication (GI) products, focusing on
the Theory of Desirable Difficulty. Include three Bangladeshi examples of GI products.

Instructions:

1. Begin by introducing the GI product, Theory of Desirable Difficulty, explaining how

introducing challenges can enhance learning and skill development.
2. Select three Bangladeshi GI products as examples and explore the desirable difficulties
associated with their production processes.
3. For each chosen product, describe the specific challenges faced by artisans or
producers.
4. Conclude by reflecting on the importance of embracing challenges in the pursuit of
excellence and the preservation of cultural heritage.
5. Ensure that the language used is accessible to all readers, avoiding complicated
terminology.
6. Avoid discussing controversial topics and maintain a positive tone throughout the article.

References:

The Ilish Success Story

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamdani
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shital_Pati#References