Public health and environmental experts on Tuesday called on the government to fully enforce the updated Bangladesh Standards and introduce stronger regulatory measures to eliminate lead from industrial paints, aluminium cookware and children鈥檚 toys.
They made the call at a high-level policy dialogue, organised by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, UNICEF and the Environment and Social Development Organisation, at BSTI office in Dhaka, said a press release.
Experts called for coordinated action in agencies covering regulatory enforcement, industry accountability, public awareness and strict market monitoring to eliminate lead from consumer products and protect public health.
Former secretary and ESDO chairperson Syed Margub Murshed attended the dialogue as chief guest, while BSTI director general SM Ferdous Alam was present as special guest.
Mohammad Saidul Islam, director of BSTI鈥檚 standards wing, delivered the welcome remarks.
The dialogue was chaired by Professor Syed Md Samsuddin of Dhaka University鈥檚 applied chemistry and chemical engineering department.
Other speakers included Professor Md Arju Mia of Jahangirnagar University, IEDCR director Professor Tahmina Shirin, ESDO executive director Siddika Sultana and UNICEF health specialist Pricilla Wobi.
Representatives from NIPSON, icddr,b, Asian Paints, Berger Paints and the Paints Association also participated.
