BSTI Launches Nation’s First Halal and Helmet Testing Laboratories
On Monday, July 14, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) inaugurated the country’s first internationally accredited National Halal Laboratory and its only Helmet Testing Laboratory. The inauguration ceremony, held at the BSTI headquarters, was presided over by BSTI Director General S.M. Ferdous Alam, with Adviser to the Ministry of Industries, Housing, and Public Works, Adilur Rahman Khan, officiating the launch. Senior officials including Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir, and Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Chairman Zakaria were also present at the event.
As part of the inauguration, BSTI officially awarded Halal certification to Olympic Industries, Remark HB Limited, and Kazi Food Industries.
A halal product showcase was also arranged within the BSTI premises, where ten certified companies participated, including Remark HB Limited, Olympic Industries Limited, Pran Agro Limited, Akij Bakers Limited, New Zealand Dairy Products, Nestlé Bangladesh, Cocola Foods, Bangladesh Edible Oil, Bengal Meat, and Chua Frozen Foods.
Modern Laboratories for a Multidimensional Industrial Sector
Speaking at the inauguration, Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan stated, “The government has been taking comprehensive initiatives to strengthen Bangladesh’s industrial sector. The establishment of a modern Halal laboratory at BSTI is a timely step in that direction. The global Halal market is expanding rapidly, and this laboratory will serve as a milestone to tap into Bangladesh’s export potential.”
Focus on Halal Standards and Helmet Safety
Following the launch, a discussion was held at BSTI where key speakers highlighted the importance of both halal certification and helmet safety. Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman remarked, “Demand for halal-certified products is growing in every region of the world. The establishment of this laboratory and the expansion of BSTI’s certification program are timely and necessary.”
He further added, “It must be ensured that every helmet sold in the market bears the BSTI logo and QR code. This will uphold quality and enhance road safety.”
First-Ever Dedicated Helmet Testing Facility
Speakers at the event noted that Bangladesh lacked a dedicated facility to test helmet quality. The new laboratory will now enable testing of both locally manufactured and imported helmets in line with international standards. This move is expected to significantly bolster consumer safety and help reduce road fatalities.
Halal is Now a Global Quality Benchmark
In his address, BSTI Director General S.M. Ferdous Alam stated, “Today, halal is no longer limited to religious practices—it has become a global quality benchmark, deeply connected to food safety and the concerns of health-conscious consumers.”
He concluded by saying, “The National Halal Lab and the country’s only Helmet Testing Lab will reinforce our national quality infrastructure and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.”
