BSTI needs joint action to meet global standards, say speakers

Speakers at a discussion marking World Standards Day 2025 said that many laboratories of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) have already achieved international accreditation, and called for continued joint efforts by the public and private sectors to transform BSTI into a fully international standard institution.

They also emphasised the need for bilateral agreements with other countries so that BSTI certifications are accepted abroad, and urged the agency to take tougher action against producers involved in adulteration and counterfeiting.

The discussion titled "A Shared Vision for a Better World" was held today (Tuesday) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka.

BSTI Director General (Grade-1) SM Ferdous Alam chaired the event, which was attended by Md Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, as the chief guest.
AHM Shafiquzzaman, President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO of Pran-RFL Group, and Md Zafar Iqbal, Head of International Affairs at FBCCI, were present as special guests.
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).
Business leaders, chief executives of manufacturing and exporting companies, and quality assurance experts were also in attendance.

The industries secretary said BSTI has reached a stage where it can be regarded as a globally standardised institution, mentioning its state-of-the-art National Halal Laboratory and other internationally recognised facilities. He urged business owners to maintain the quality of their products after obtaining licences from BSTI.

CAB President and former secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman described BSTI as a vital organisation for industrial development and quality enhancement.
He said that although the institution works extensively to ensure the production and marketing of quality products, public perception of its contribution remains limited.
He stressed that, as per the Allocation of Business, issuing halal certification falls under BSTI's mandate. By promoting its internationally accredited halal laboratory, Bangladesh could raise its halal exports to the billion-dollar mark by 2030, he added, calling for stricter measures against counterfeiters and adulterators.

Pran-RFL Group Chairman Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said BSTI has undergone significant positive changes in recent years and now reflects quality practices in Bangladesh.
He noted that the business community is keen to utilise BSTI's modern testing facilities and called for special attention to halal laboratory accreditation, simplification of standards, formulation of new quality benchmarks, and alignment with global standards.

Highlighting BSTI's recent development initiatives, Director General SM Ferdous Alam said the institution has introduced licences with online QR codes to prevent forgery and unauthorised use of certification marks.
He mentioned the establishment of national halal, helmet, solar panel and cement testing laboratories, as well as the addition of advanced equipment and new testing parameters. BSTI has also launched 10 regional offices to strengthen its institutional capacity across the country, he added.

Twelve organisations, including the Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (Bitac), Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), Cowbell Kefir Ltd, and Advanced Chemical Industries Ltd, received ISO certification this year for achieving international standards.