The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) plans to expand its operations to 42 districts, up from 23, as part of a wider capacity-building programme that includes a new 13-storey headquarters and 67 modern laboratories to strengthen product quality assurance and measurement standards nationwide.
Industries, Commerce and Textiles Adviser Khondker Abdul Muktadir announced the plan while addressing a discussion marking World Metrology Day 2026 at BSTI headquarters in Dhaka on Saturday.
He said access to quality products and accurate measurements is a fundamental right and that BSTI must play a stronger role in protecting consumers and restoring confidence in goods available in the market.
“Ensuring high-quality products is critical, and BSTI must work to protect citizens’ rights by guaranteeing product standards,” he said.
BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Haq chaired the programme. Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman, a Commerce Ministry representative, FBCCI Director Md Abdur Rahim Khan and senior officials from government agencies and business organisations attended.
Highlighting ongoing modernisation efforts, Obaidur Rahman said BSTI has built public trust through expanded services and advanced testing facilities. Modern laboratories are under construction in 10-storey buildings in Khulna and Chattogram, while regional offices have already been established in 10 districts.
According to him, the expansion programme will further strengthen BSTI’s presence across the country and improve service delivery.
Kazi Imdadul Haq said the institution is implementing a series of projects to expand testing, certification and metrology services and support Bangladesh’s export competitiveness in a free-trade environment.
The initiatives include establishing full-scale regional laboratories in 11 districts and constructing 13 additional high-tech laboratories at the headquarters, including 21 metrology laboratories. He also highlighted the potential for expanding halal certification services in Bangladesh.
Abdur Rahim Khan said BSTI plays a key role in setting standards for food, housing and other consumer products, helping ensure quality compliance and effective implementation of government policies.
The World Metrology Day programme focused on the importance of measurement accuracy, quality assurance and standards development in supporting consumer protection, industrial growth and international trade.
