Representatives of leading Bangladeshi industries called for private research findings on microplastics or harmful substances in toothpaste and other products to be shared with regulators before publication. At a public hearing held Thursday at the BSTI headquarters in Tejgaon, Dhaka, they also urged the development of a clear law or policy governing publication of such research reports.

BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Haque said the agency values research and wants high-quality studies in the country, but cautioned against creating public panic or instability. He said it would have been better if BSTI had been informed before publication of the toothpaste research. He added that no global standard currently specifies permissible levels of microplastics in toothpaste.

Haque said a relevant BSTI expert committee will examine ISO and other international standards before taking necessary action. Industry representatives argued that unverified or incomplete findings can confuse consumers and trigger negative media and social-media campaigns that damage companies’ markets and reputations. The hearing also discussed online payments, online submission of applications and documents, online licence renewals, standards for growing-up milk for children aged three to five, and updates to packaging-product laws and regulations.