Advisor calls for regional focus in national standardization policy at World Standards Day 2024

Adilur Rahman Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, has highlighted the need for a comprehensive national standardization policy. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the "World Standards Day 2024" discussion titled "Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for Sustainable Development," he stressed that the policy should focus on regional and demand-based standardization to cater to both local and global requirements. The event was held at the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy Auditorium on Monday.

The session was presided over by Zakia Sultana, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries. The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Dr. Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Special remarks were also made by FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman, and the event commenced with a welcome address by BSTI Director General SM Ferdous Alam. Attendees included business leaders, CEOs of manufacturing companies, importers, exporters, and standardization experts.

In his address, Adilur Rahman Khan emphasized the need for swift initiatives by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) to develop the national standardization policy. He stated, "Our goal should be to ensure that every product from Bangladesh is recognized and appreciated in both local and international markets."

Senior Secretary Zakia Sultana mentioned that while aligning with international standard organizations is essential, there is also a need to develop standards that cater to regional industries. She pointed out that establishing quality standards for electric three-wheelers (e-bikes) could help reduce accidents and stressed the importance of prioritizing such critical issues.

FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman suggested that transforming the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) that BSTI has signed with other countries into mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) would yield more benefits for all parties involved.

During the keynote presentation, Professor Dr. Abdul Hasib Chowdhury emphasized the need for a national framework for standardization. This framework should cover aspects such as regional industrialization, demand-based standards, market regulation, social issues, and infrastructure—from roads in haor areas to building construction—integrating all these elements within the national policy.

BSTI Director General SM Ferdous Alam provided insights into ongoing development activities. He stated that to curb the illegal use of BSTI's quality mark, the organization has begun issuing licenses with online QR codes. Additionally, BSTI has initiated halal certification and purity verification for gold. Efforts are underway to enhance institutional capacity, including the opening of 10 regional offices, the creation of new positions, the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories for product testing, and the integration of new testing parameters into existing labs.