The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has announced plans to significantly enhance its infrastructure and operational capacity with a major expansion project costing approximately Tk850 crore. The initiative includes constructing a 13-storey building housing 63 new laboratories aimed at improving testing and quality-control services nationwide.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir outlined the plan during a seminar held yesterday to commemorate World Standards Day. In addition to the new facility, BSTI's workforce will be expanded, and laboratories will be established in 10 additional districts to ensure broader regional coverage.

The minister also highlighted a separate project valued at Tk40 crore designed to strengthen BSTI’s metrology capabilities, which are critical for measurement standards across various sectors.

Minister Muktadir underscored the institution’s goal of maintaining international accreditation and recognition as Bangladesh transitions out of the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. He emphasized that BSTI’s role extends beyond commercial interests; ensuring product standards is fundamentally connected to public safety and consumer confidence.

BSTI plans to focus especially on food safety and quality assurance in food-related industries. The institution also aims to improve regulatory oversight in other areas, such as accurate fuel dispensation at gas stations, precise measurement of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and verification of construction material quality.

These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to bolstering product standards and consumer protection nationwide, with an emphasis on compliance and quality control as Bangladesh advances its economic development.