He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Halal Ecosystem in the ASEAN Region: Prospects for Bangladesh,” organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
The Minister said the halal economy is no longer confined to food and beverages—it has evolved into a vast global economic system encompassing food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, tourism, logistics, technology, finance, and certification.
He stressed the need to increase production capacity through domestic and foreign investment and ensure a safe, attractive environment for investors. To retain export benefits after LDC graduation, Bangladesh is pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with various countries.
The Minister also emphasised establishing an independent, reliable, and internationally recognised halal certification system to boost global confidence in Bangladeshi products.
Speakers at the seminar noted that while Bangladesh's export sector remains heavily garment-dependent, diversification into new markets and products is crucial for future competitiveness. The halal economy could be one of the most promising areas in this regard.
Global demand for halal products is rising not only in food but also in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, and lifestyle products. Malaysia's halal ecosystem was cited as a model for Bangladesh, transforming halal from a product category into a full-fledged economic system.
With its strong agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, leather, and textiles sectors, Bangladesh can become a key player in the global halal supply chain, experts said.
The seminar highlighted five strategic priorities for making Bangladesh's halal sector internationally competitive:
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Establishing a national halal assurance framework that meets global standards.
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Developing specialised halal industrial clusters with modern laboratories and logistics.
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Upgrading existing industries to international standards.
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Involving SMEs, researchers, and young entrepreneurs.
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Building the "Bangladesh Halal Brand" globally through economic diplomacy.
BIISS Director General Major General A.S.M. Redwanur Rahman delivered the welcome address. The keynote presentation was given by Research Director Dr. Mahfuz Kabir. Panel discussants included representatives from the Islamic Foundation and BSTI.
Speakers concluded that by ensuring quality, safety, transparency, and international trust alongside religious values, the halal economy could open a new horizon for Bangladesh's exports. Now, the need is for coordinated government initiatives, private investment, and international cooperation to build an effective halal ecosystem—positioning Bangladesh not just as an exporter of halal products, but as a vital hub in the global halal market.
