# Commerce Minister Advocates for Robust Halal Ecosystem to Transform Bangladesh into Global Halal Hub

*Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has called for the development of a robust and internationally recognized halal ecosystem in Bangladesh, aiming to transform the country into a global halal hub.*

August 12, 2026 · Economy

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today called for the development of 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. 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), Muktadir emphasized the need to diversify Bangladesh's export basket by tapping into high-potential sectors such as the halal economy. He noted that the global halal market has expanded beyond food and beverages to include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, tourism, logistics, technology, and finance.

Muktadir stressed the importance of enhancing domestic production capacity and creating a safe and attractive investment environment to encourage both domestic and foreign investors. He highlighted the necessity of an independent, reliable, and internationally acceptable halal certification system to establish global confidence in Bangladeshi products. The seminar identified Malaysia's halal ecosystem as a model for Bangladesh, noting that Malaysia has developed halal as a comprehensive economic framework covering research, production, certification, and marketing.

Experts at the seminar underscored that 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. They outlined 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 agreed that 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.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/economy/muktadir-calls-for-robust-halal-ecosystem-to-make-bangladesh-global-halal-hub