Bangladesh seeks to build globally recognized halal industry

Bangladesh should develop a robust, internationally recognized halal ecosystem to diversify exports and position itself as a global hub, commerce minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Wednesday.

Speaking at a Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies seminar, Muktadir urged the country to draw on experience from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region.

“Bangladesh needs to diversify its export basket by tapping high-potential sectors such as the halal economy,” he said.

Muktadir said the halal market extends beyond food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, tourism, logistics, technology and finance. He also called for an independent and internationally acceptable certification system to build confidence in Bangladeshi products.

Experts cited Malaysia as a model and recommended halal industrial clusters, stronger laboratories and logistics, international production standards and global promotion of a “Bangladesh Halal Brand.”