Bangladesh Eyes $1b Boost in Halal Exports

Bangladesh exports around $850 million worth of halal products annually, most of which originate from agriculture-based goods, according to Razeev H. Chowdhury, Senior Vice-President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

He highlighted the country’s growing role in the global halal industry at a discussion held in Dhaka, calling for coordinated efforts to turn the sector into a major economic driver.

Chowdhury noted that halal products — once limited to religious consumption — have now evolved into a global economic powerhouse, valued at nearly $3 trillion and projected to reach $9.45 trillion by 2034.

“The halal industry is no longer confined to faith-based consumption; it has become a dynamic global market where quality, hygiene, and trust define competitiveness,” he said.

Expanding appeal of halal products

He observed that halal-certified products are increasingly gaining popularity not only among Muslim consumers but also in non-Muslim countries, due to their strict quality control, hygienic production, and transparency.

“With our rich agricultural, livestock and fisheries resources, and as the fourth-largest Muslim-majority nation, Bangladesh holds enormous potential to expand in this sector,” Chowdhury said.

However, he expressed concern that a large share of halal products consumed globally are currently produced in non-Muslim countries, underscoring the need for Muslim-majority nations like Bangladesh to play a stronger role.

“Our ready-made garment sector has already shown that we can compete globally. Now, it’s time to make the halal industry our next success story,” he remarked.

Overcoming existing barriers

Despite the promising outlook, Chowdhury pointed out several structural and institutional barriers hindering the growth of Bangladesh’s halal exports. These include limited awareness of halal standards, inadequate laboratory and testing facilities, technological gaps, and a shortage of skilled manpower.

To unlock the industry’s full potential, he proposed the following measures:

Introduction of an automated halal certification system to speed up approvals.

Establishment of modern testing laboratories equipped with international-grade technology.

Strengthening of traceability systems and logistics support to ensure product authenticity.

Development of training programmes to create skilled professionals for halal certification, production, and marketing.

Need for global recognition

Chowdhury further urged the formation of a National Halal Certification Board, comprising representatives from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the Islamic Foundation, to ensure the global acceptance of Bangladesh’s halal certificates.

He also called for strict compliance with the guidelines of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), along with diplomatic and commercial outreach to strengthen the international presence of Bangladeshi halal products.

Industry participation and outlook

Other speakers at the event, including Md Abul Kalam Azad, Assistant Manager (Export) of Paragon Group; Sadiq M. Alam, Managing Director of Metamorphosis; and AGM Sayadul Haq Bhuiyan, Head of Supply Chain and Export at Bengal Meat, shared insights on the global demand and challenges facing halal exporters.

They stressed that with proper government support, private sector innovation, and international marketing, Bangladesh’s halal exports could surpass $1 billion within the next few years.

Experts concluded that Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture — with the right policies, investments, and institutional reforms, it can transform its halal industry from a niche exporter into a globally competitive sector contributing significantly to national growth.