The century-old sweet delicacy ‘Balish Misti,’ a hallmark of Netrokona’s culinary heritage, has been officially recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh.
The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) recently listed it as the country’s 58th GI product.
Originating from Barhatta Road in Netrokona town, Balish Misti was first created around 120 years ago by local confectioner Goyanath Ghosh.
Shaped like a small pillow—long and soft—it earned its name “Balish Misti,” or “pillow sweet.” Distinct from traditional sandesh or rasgulla, the sweet has become an integral part of festivals, social gatherings, and gifts in the region. The third generation of Goyanath Ghosh’s family continues the tradition today.
Netrokona district authorities applied for GI recognition in 2023, submitting extensive documentation on the sweet’s history, production process, and unique characteristics. After verification, the DPDT granted official recognition earlier this year.
Babul Chandra Modak, the current head of Goyanath Mishtanno Bhandar and grandson of the founder, said the family is proud of the GI status. “What my grandfather began has now become a symbol of national pride,” he remarked. Since 1965, the business has been run by his father Nikhil Chandra Modak and now the third generation.
Netrokona Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah Al Mahmud Zaman said the recognition adds to the district’s reputation. “After Bijoypur’s white clay received GI certification earlier, this honor for Balish Misti strengthens our local branding efforts,” he said.
Balish Misti joins Bijoypur’s white clay—recognized in 2021—as one of Netrokona’s iconic GI products. The sweet, once a regional specialty, now stands as an internationally recognized emblem of Bangladesh’s culinary heritage.
