DHAKA, May 19, 2023 (BSS) - World Metrology Day, commemorating the anniversary of signature by representatives of 17 nations of the 'Metre Convention-1875', will be observed tomorrow in Bangladesh like elsewhere across the world.

The event was held in Paris on May 20 celebrating the International System of Units (ISU).

Like all member countries of International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and International Bureau of Legal Metrology (BIML), the day will be observed at the initiative of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) in Bangladesh.

The theme of the World Metrology Day-2023 is 'Measurements supporting the global food system'.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today issued separate messages wishing the success of all programmes on the occasion.

On the eve of the day, the President, in his message, said BSTI, as the national standards body, has an important role to play in providing the desired services to the people by formulating and implementing standards for goods and services and ensuring accurate measurements in all areas of trade and commerce.

He hoped that BSTI would play more efficient and responsible role in building public confidence by ensuring accountability.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina termed this year's theme of the day - 'Measurements supporting the global food system'- as time-befitting.

Through the efforts of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, BSTI became a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1974 and the National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Bangladesh in 1975, the premier said.

BSTI as the national standards body (NSB)of Bangladesh has been working relentlessly in determining the quality of various products of Bangladesh such as food, textiles, housing, health and education materials and equipment and ensuring accurate weights and measures as per the standards set by the International Standards and Measurement Organization since its ISO membership, she continued.

"We enacted the Standards of Weights and Measures Act in 2018," she added.

By transforming the country into a developed and prosperous smart Bangladesh by 2041, the collective efforts of all will continue to build the 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by the father of the nation, she hoped.

Both the president and the premier wished the overall success of all the programmes taken by BSTI on the occasion of 'World Metrology Day-2023'.

The Metre Convention-1875 set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal application.

The original aim of the Metre Convention - the worldwide uniformity of measurement - remains as important today as it was in 1875.

To mark the day, BSTI has chalked out different programmes, including discussions, at its headquarters and regional offices.

Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast special programmes to mark the day.