STAR BUSINESS REPORT

State-run Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) yesterday opened two laboratories to certify whether products labelled halal meet Islamic dietary laws and ethical standards, and whether helmets meet safety requirements.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser for the industries and housing and public works ministries, inaugurated the two labs at the BSTI.

The government is working to establish a multidimensional and resilient industrial sector, he said.

Establishing the halal certification laboratory is a timely and crucial milestone that will help Bangladesh tap into the growing global demand for halal products, he added.

“I am confident that this laboratory will play a vital role in expanding Bangladesh’s exports,” he said.

Md Obaidur Rahman, secretary to the industries ministry, said global demand for halal-certified products was rising steadily.

Against this backdrop, the launch of the halal certification laboratory and BSTI’s journey into issuing halal certifications is a timely decision, he said.

He also urged all stakeholders involved in manufacturing, selling, and using helmets to ensure that products bear the BSTI logo and QR codes before they are purchased and used.

Highlighting the safety concerns associated with motorcycle use, the industries secretary “This