RAJSHAHI: Ensuring proper measurement of food ingredients is vital for maintaining food safety as millions of citizens suffer from illness by eating contaminated and adulterated foods every year, reports BSS. Hazardous food has been adjudged as a major threat to public health in the present context, so emphasis should be given on adopting effective measures in this regard. The views were expressed at a discussion by educationists and experts who urged all concerned to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and honesty in this regard.

Regional office of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institutions (BSTI) hosted the discussion at a city restaurant marking the World Metrology Day- 2018 yesterday. “Constant Evolution of the International System of Units" was the main theme of the day.

The main objective of World Metrology Day is to raise public awareness about the importance of measurements in their daily life.

Additional District Magistrate Subrata Paul and Director of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries Sadrul Islam addressed the discussion as chief and special guests respectively with BSTI Regional Director Altab Hossain in the chair.

Dr Ariful Islam Nahid, Chairman of Department of Applied Physics and Electronics Engineering in Rajshahi University, shared his expertise on the occasion.

Dr Nahid stressed the need for proper enforcement of the consumers' rights protection act for protecting the consumer's right as most of the consumers feel insecure especially in the retail markets and are deprived of proper measurement.

He called for state control over the market for making it free from all sorts of manipulation, distortion, harassment and deception along with ensuring a healthy atmosphere in the market place.

Consumers' rights in the developed nations focus on the right to information, choice, redress and representation, but we are deprived of such privileges, he added.

Dr Nahid said development cannot be attained and confidence can never be created without right measurements as it builds reliability and confidence among the public in general.

During his keynote presentation, Khairul Islam, Deputy Director (Material) of BSTI, highlighted the importance of metrology, the science of measurement, in scientific inventions, newer discoveries, and international trade and commerce.

He said world metrology day recognizes and celebrates the contributions of all the people who work in inter-governmental and national organizations throughout the year.