Strengthening BSTI's capacity
Friday, 10 October 2008
THAT it is mandatory for the traders to have seals of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) to market any product is well-known. But there are hundreds of products, which are being openly sold in the market, with hardly anyone to check whether those products carry the BSTI seals.
Unfortunately, the BSTI itself is rather indifferent about monitoring the market. The law enforcers, on the other hand, seem not properly aware of this. When it is imperative that a wide range of products such as chemical substances and foods have to be certified by the BSTI to ensure their safety standards, there is clear evidence that product manufacturers as well as traders are flouting it with impunity.
The BSTI authorities say that the organisation is handicapped by a shortage of manpower. There are only 22 inspectors in the BSTI among whom 15 are in Dhaka. One cannot expect result from such a small workforce. Increasing the staff strength of the BSTI should get priority. But increasing staff size is not enough. The BSTI's manpower should be technically qualified and equipped to judge the quality of products. This will create consumer confidence about the BSTI's function and role.
The BSTI has to depend on borrowed laboratory facilities to certify products or test suspected products with hazardous content. There should be a self-contained laboratory facility at the BSTI. So the BSTI is in need of a thorough overhaul if it means to make its presence felt. Appointment of qualified staff, especially quality inspectors, and a strict enforcement of regulations can make it move.
Sagir Hossain
Kalabagan, Dhaka
Unfortunately, the BSTI itself is rather indifferent about monitoring the market. The law enforcers, on the other hand, seem not properly aware of this. When it is imperative that a wide range of products such as chemical substances and foods have to be certified by the BSTI to ensure their safety standards, there is clear evidence that product manufacturers as well as traders are flouting it with impunity.
The BSTI authorities say that the organisation is handicapped by a shortage of manpower. There are only 22 inspectors in the BSTI among whom 15 are in Dhaka. One cannot expect result from such a small workforce. Increasing the staff strength of the BSTI should get priority. But increasing staff size is not enough. The BSTI's manpower should be technically qualified and equipped to judge the quality of products. This will create consumer confidence about the BSTI's function and role.
The BSTI has to depend on borrowed laboratory facilities to certify products or test suspected products with hazardous content. There should be a self-contained laboratory facility at the BSTI. So the BSTI is in need of a thorough overhaul if it means to make its presence felt. Appointment of qualified staff, especially quality inspectors, and a strict enforcement of regulations can make it move.
Sagir Hossain
Kalabagan, Dhaka