Published: 10:14 AM, 13 August 2026
Bangladesh looks to ASEAN model to become halal economy hub
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Wednesday called for developing a robust and internationally recognized halal ecosystem in Bangladesh, urging the country to draw on the experience of the ASEAN region to emerge as a global halal hub.
"Bangladesh needs to diversify its export basket by tapping high-potential sectors such as the halal economy," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Halal Ecosystem in the ASEAN Region and opportunities for Bangladesh" organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in the city.
Muktadir said the global halal market has expanded far beyond food and beverages, encompassing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, tourism, logistics, technology and finance.
"To increase exports, we must first enhance our domestic production capacity," he said, stressing the importance of creating a safe and attractive investment environment to encourage both domestic and foreign investors.
The minister said Bangladesh, ahead of its LDC graduation, is pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with various countries to retain preferential market access.
He stressed the need for an independent, reliable and internationally acceptable halal certification system to establish global confidence in Bangladeshi products. They said Bangladesh's large domestic market and strong production bases in agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, leather and readymade garments provide a solid foundation for the country to become a significant player in the global halal supply chain. The seminar identified five strategic priorities for developing an internationally competitive halal sector: establishing an internationally acceptable national halal assurance framework; developing specialized halal industrial clusters with modern laboratories and advanced logistics; aligning existing production sectors with international standards; engaging SMEs, researchers and young entrepreneurs and promoting the "Bangladesh Halal Brand" globally through economic diplomacy.
BIISS Director General Major General ASM Redwanur Rahman delivered the welcome address, while BIISS Research Director Dr. Mahfuz Kabir presented the keynote paper. Representatives from the Islamic Foundation and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) also spoke at the seminar.
The speakers said prioritizing quality, transparency and international trust could turn the halal economy into a new pillar of Bangladesh's export growth and help establish the country as an important hub in the global halal market.
Speakers at the seminar said Bangladesh's heavy dependence on the readymade garment sector makes export diversification essential. The halal economy could become one of the country's major new areas of opportunity as demand for halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, tourism, and lifestyle products continues to grow.
However, entering this market requires an integrated production, quality control, and certification system, they said.
Highlighting Malaysia's halal ecosystem as an important model for Bangladesh, speakers said Malaysia has transformed halal from merely a product category into a complete economic system covering production, research, certification, marketing, and export.
Speakers highlighted that Bangladesh possesses a large domestic market, a strong agriculture and food-processing sector, an internationally recognized pharmaceutical industry, a leather sector, and vast experience in garment manufacturing. By leveraging these existing strengths, Bangladesh could become a key player in the global Halal supply chain.
The panel discussion featured Aktar Hossain, Deputy Director of the Halal Certification (Livestock) Division at Islamic Foundation, and S.M. Abu Sayed, Deputy Director (Halal Certification) at the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).
Panelists concluded that if religious values are aligned with product quality, safety, transparency, and international credibility, the Halal economy can become a new pillar for Bangladesh's exports. With coordinated government initiatives, private investment, and international cooperation, Bangladesh can position itself not only as an exporter of Halal goods but also as a vital hub in the global Halal market.
