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FGD on “Development of Bangladesh Halal Industry: Challenges and Prospects”
Although the global market share for halal products stands at around USD 3 trillion, Bangladesh’s export earnings from this sector are still below USD 1 billion. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury observed that Bangladesh has yet to capitalize the vast potential of this sector due to the absence of an effective halal ecosystem and an independent authority for issuing accredited halal certificates. He made these remarks at a focus group discussion titled “Development of Bangladesh Halal Industry: Challenges and Prospects” organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on October 11, 2025.
In his welcome address, DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury stated that the rapidly growing global halal industry is currently valued at about USD 3 trillion and is projected to reach USD 9.45 trillion by 2034. However, Bangladesh’s halal exports are limited to around USD 850 million, mostly in agro-based products. Despite the immense potential, the country’s halal sector faces multiple structural and institutional challenges that hinder its desired growth. These include non-compliance with international halal standards, inadequate logistics infrastructure, tariff and certification constraints, lack of modern laboratories, shortage of skilled manpower, and the absence of an integrated halal ecosystem. He also stressed on the urgent need to establish an independent board to ensure global recognition of Bangladesh’s halal certification system. Furthermore, he called for a joint public–private collaboration to set up internationally accredited testing laboratories.
Dr. Mominul Islam, Assistant Professor, IUBAT presented the keynote paper. In his presentation he pointed out that both Islamic Foundation and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) currently issue halal certificates in Bangladesh, often resulting in procedural complexities. He added that the lack of modern equipment, weak country branding, limited SME participation, absence of a unified halal policy, shortage of skilled human resources and inadequate supply chain systems are among the key barriers hindering the sector’s development.
Md Abul Kalam Azad, Assistant Manager-Export, Paragon Group emphasized the need for a digital, technology-based halal certification system and compliance audits to ensure product quality.
AGM Sayadul Haq Bhuiyan, Head of Supply Chain and Export, Bengal Meat underscored the importance of value addition and the use of blockchain technology to trace animal life-cycle data. He also stressed that halal certification authorities in Bangladesh must achieve international accreditation standards.
Md. Abu Saleh Patwary, Deputy Director, Islamic Foundation mentioned that any single government entity currently has not capable enough to issue halal certificates independently, hence several institutions coordinate this process. He also emphasized on enhanced government monitoring for quality assurance of the halal products.
Baby Rani Karmakar, Director General-1 (Joint Secretary), Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) highlighted that the global halal market is growing by approximately 12% annually, but Bangladesh is still lagging behind. She called for concerted efforts to increase Bangladesh’s market share in the global halal industry.
Md. Ariful Hoque, Director General (Joint Secretary), International Investment Promotion, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) stated that the Bangladesh’s halal sector could play a vital role in export diversification in the post-LDC era and he also informed that the government is seriously considering to establish a special economic zone dedicated to halal industries.
Mohd. Aminul Islam, Director General, Bangladesh Accreditation Board, Ministry of Industries, GoB noted that Bangladesh is lagging in global halal market participation but he is hopeful that coordinated efforts could help unlock the sector’s full potential.
During the open floor discussion M. Abu Hurairah, former Vice President of DCCI mentioned that Bangladesh’s rural economy has become significantly more prosperous in recent times, with women in rural areas actively contributing to various economic activities. He noted that providing small-scale incentives at minimal interest rates to encourage rural women’s participation in animal husbandry could greatly enhance Bangladesh’s progress in halal food exports.
DCCI Director Enamul Haque Patwary, former Senior Vice President Alhaj Abdus Salam among others also spoke in the open floor discussion.
DCCI Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, members of the board of Directors and relevant stakeholders from both public and private sectors were also present on the occasion.
Published on: 2025-10-11