Govt moves to export Tangail’s century-old GI-certified Chamcham
The government will take steps to explore overseas markets for Tangail’s century-old GI-certified Chamcham, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said on Friday, highlighting its potential to strengthen exports, employment and the economy.
The announcement came as Tuku inaugurated the first-ever three-day ‘Sweet Festival-2026’, organised by the Tangail district administration at Shaheed Smriti Municipal Park in the town on Friday afternoon.
“We will take steps to explore how Tangail’s Chamcham can be exported abroad,” he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony as chief guest.
Tuku said the traditional sweet had already gained recognition beyond Tangail, describing it as an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
“Tangail’s Chamcham is more or less known to many people all over Bangladesh and the world. Just as Tangail’s sarees are the pride and heritage of Bangladesh, Chamcham is also a part of our heritage.
It is our responsibility and duty to explore how this product can be further promoted,” he said.
He said the heritage and achievements of Tangail were a source of pride for people across Bangladesh and called for collective efforts to preserve them.
“We want to build a historic and safe Tangail in the days ahead by upholding this heritage. We need everyone’s cooperation in this regard,” Tuku said.
Explaining the purpose of the festival, the state minister said showcasing Tangail’s products and raising public awareness about them were among its key objectives.
“At the same time, we want to establish our heritage before the people across the country,” he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s remarks before the election, Tuku said the Prime Minister had spoken at a programme in Gopalpur about Tangail’s traditional saree and Chamcham, as well as pineapples.
He said steps would be taken to export Chamcham abroad and expand the industry, which could generate additional export earnings while creating greater interest and employment opportunities in the sector.
“This will play an important role not only in the local economy but also in the national economy,” Tuku added.
Earlier, the state minister formally inaugurated the ‘Sweet Festival-2026’ by cutting a ribbon and releasing balloons.
Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque also addressed the event.
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, former member-secretary of the district BNP Mahmudul Haque Sanu, upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) from different upazilas and officials of various government offices were present.
The three-day festival is aimed at showcasing Tangail’s traditional products and strengthening public recognition of its cultural and commercial heritage, with Chamcham at the centre of the initiative.
