Dhaka:Industries, Commerce and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced that the government will enhance the capacity, manpower, and operational scope of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) to ensure product quality and protect consumer rights and public health.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Muktadir highlighted the significance of maintaining standards, stating it is linked to human dignity and safe living. Speaking at a discussion marking World Standards Day 2026 at the Officers' Club in the capital, he emphasized the state's responsibility in ensuring the quality of various products, from construction materials to consumer goods.
Muktadir pointed out that consumer confidence in product quality and safety is essential. He noted that food safety remains a priority and the government intends to bolster BSTI's efforts to ensure food purity and protect public health.
To align Bangladesh's standards with international requirements, Muktadir urged BSTI to enhance the global acceptance of halal certification and pursue mutual recognition arrangements with relevant institutions worldwide. He revealed that three critical development projects are underway to expand BSTI's capacity, including constructing a 13-storey building at the BSTI complex with 63 new laboratories, and establishing laboratory facilities in 10 additional districts. A metrology laboratory is also being set up at a cost of around Tk 450 crore.
The minister stressed the need for a world-class testing and quality-control system to boost the international market acceptance of Bangladeshi products post-LDC graduation. Strengthening BSTI's institutional capacity and manpower, along with expanding its services, is part of this strategy.
Addressing media reports about heavy metals in soybean oil, Muktadir stated that tests on 193 samples showed no harmful metals or lead, describing the reports as misleading. He assured the public of the safety of soybean oil on the market and emphasized the importance of reliable testing and accurate information dissemination to clear public confusion.
BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Haque chaired the discussion, which was also addressed by Industries Ministry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office Professor Dr SM Abdul Awal, FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Haque, Bangladesh Accreditation Board Director General Md Aminul Islam, and BSTI Director Md Saidul Islam.