BSTI plans Tk850 crore laboratory expansion

From 15 October 2026 — Daily Brief

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution plans a 13-storey facility containing 63 laboratories as part of a roughly Tk850 crore expansion of national testing capacity.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced the project on World Standards Day. The government also intends to open laboratories in 10 additional districts and spend about Tk40 crore strengthening metrology services.

Officials want BSTI to retain international recognition after Bangladesh graduates from least-developed-country status. Stronger domestic testing could reduce delays for exporters, support compliance with overseas product rules and improve confidence in goods sold locally.

The agency says food safety will be a priority, alongside checks on construction materials, the quantity of fuel delivered at filling stations and the contents of LPG cylinders. A larger workforce is planned to operate the expanded network.

The investment case depends on accreditation and use, not the number of rooms. Laboratories require calibrated equipment, skilled staff, proficiency testing and transparent publication of results. Bangladesh should also avoid duplicating specialist facilities that already exist elsewhere. A phased plan tied to demand from exporters and consumers would make it easier to judge whether the spending shortens certification times and improves enforcement.