Industries, Commerce, and Textiles and Jute Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) will be further strengthened to enhance consumer confidence in the quality of domestically produced and marketed products.
Speaking at a discussion marking World Metrology Day at the BSTI Auditorium in Tejgaon on Saturday, he said the institution would be modernized through stronger quality control mechanisms, increased manpower, and a restructuring of its organizational framework.
The event was chaired by BSTI Director General Kazi Emdadul Haque. Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman and FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan attended as special guests. Senior officials from the Ministry of Industries, BSTI and other organisations were also present.
In his keynote address, the adviser said BSTI's organogram would be reviewed and reorganised in line with the country's needs, taking into account institutional models followed by neighbouring countries. He emphasised that strengthening BSTI is essential to improving product quality, ensuring compliance with standards and enhancing Bangladesh's competitiveness in international markets.
"BSTI will be made more capable and effective in line with national requirements. If necessary, manpower will be increased to ensure the quality of products and services," he said.
Muqtadir stressed the importance of accurate measurement and reliable statistics in policymaking, noting that the International System of Units (SI) plays a vital role in global trade, industrial development, and technological advancement.
He also highlighted the growing importance of precise measurement systems in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as in healthcare, energy, and digital communications.
He said BSTI's laboratory modernization efforts are underway to help the country address the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Establishing advanced technology-based testing facilities, he added, would contribute to industrial expansion, product quality improvement, and the development of skilled human resources.
Referring to the country's export-oriented garment sector, Muqtadir noted that BSTI's internationally accredited textile testing laboratory is helping the industry remain competitive in global markets. He urged stakeholders to promote this capability more widely abroad.
Highlighting the importance of quality assurance, he said public trust in the quality of products-from food items to everyday consumer goods-is essential. BSTI, he added, plays a crucial regulatory role in safeguarding that trust and ensuring compliance with national standards.
