Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has made it mandatory for 10 more new products to obtain certification marks.

These products are: disposable diapers, face-wash, petroleum jelly, bread (flatbread/tortilla), aerosols, geyser, shaving foam and gel, eye care, hair dye liquid and shoe-polishing liquid.

The decision was taken at the 37th meeting of the highest policy-making council held at the BSTI head office in Tejgaon on Sunday. At present, 229 products are covered by BSTI mandatory certificates.

While presiding over the meeting, Industries Minister and BSTI Council Chairman Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said that the BSTI has to play a supportive role in controlling and producing quality products for domestic market and export.

He also said, “The halal product certification is an important issue in today’s world. The BSTI will have to go ahead with maintaining standards in terms of halal certification of products.”

Urging the BSTI to play a more significant role, if necessary, in protecting the interests of the people, State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Mojumder said that the businessmen have made extra profits by capitalising on the Covid-19 pandemic. “They are adulterating and syndicating products.”

He added: “The BSTI has to take responsibility to protect 17 crore people as well as ensure healthy food. For this purpose, BSTI has to work in coordination with other institutions to ensure product quality.”

BSTI Council’s Second Vice Chairman and Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana along with senior officials of various ministries and BSTI were present in the meeting.

Later, the Industries Minister inaugurated the recruitment, joining and training programme for 91 newly appointed officers of BSTI.