How Bangladesh Can Carve its Place in the Global Halal Export Market?

Bangladesh stands at the threshold of a major economic transformation. The global halal market, forecast to soar to USD 7.5 trillion by 2028, is no longer confined to food. It now spans pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even tourism. For a Muslim-majority nation with a population of over 170 million, a growing food-processing sector, and a nascent but evolving halal certification system, the potential is immense.

The government’s 2023 Halal Certification Policy was a vital first step toward global competitiveness. But policy alone is not enough — implementation must be thorough and visible. That means ensuring certification covers food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, and creating a publicly accessible, English-language registry of certified companies. Global buyers demand transparency, and Bangladesh must meet that expectation.

Equally important will be aligning national halal standards with those set by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) and major import markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Gulf states. Securing mutual recognition agreements with respected bodies such as Malaysia’s JAKIM, the UAE’s ESMA, and Saudi Arabia’s GAC would open doors for Bangladeshi products without the burden of bureaucratic delays.

Certification, however, is just the entry ticket. Strategic market targeting is where real gains lie. The Gulf Cooperation Council offers strong demand for frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and spices. Southeast Asian markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Australia present openings for halal-certified seafood, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Western countries — the UK, EU, Australia, and the USA — hold untapped potential through their large Muslim diaspora communities seeking authentic, certified products. Bangladesh could strengthen its global footprint by organising halal trade missions, showcasing products at events like Gulfood Dubai and the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, and establishing a Halal Export Promotion Council to coordinate branding and outreach.

But behind the promise lies a pressing challenge: logistics. Without robust cold-chain infrastructure, perishable goods will struggle to maintain quality during long-distance shipments. Investment in accredited halal testing laboratories and partnerships with global logistics leaders such as DHL, Maersk, and DB Schenker will be essential for both compliance and quality assurance. At the same time, Bangladesh must move into higher-value halal categories — ready-to-eat biryani and parathas, halal-certified vaccines and generics, and organic cosmetics — sectors where it already has manufacturing strengths but limited global visibility.

The halal opportunity is not confined to exports alone. Tourism could also become a growth driver if destinations like Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet developed halal-friendly hotels, restaurants, and prayer facilities. Positioning Bangladesh as a budget-friendly, Muslim-friendly travel destination could draw visitors from the Gulf and Southeast Asia.

To turn potential into reality, investment and collaboration are key. Public-private partnerships can provide the momentum, supported by government incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies for exporters seeking halal certification. Joint ventures with Gulf-based companies could deliver not only capital but also brand credibility. Sharia-compliant financing offers a culturally aligned funding route to support expansion.

If these strategies are pursued with urgency, Bangladesh could see halal exports surpass USD 1 billion within a few years. This would create jobs, diversify exports beyond garments, and establish a new engine of economic growth. The global halal economy is advancing rapidly — and the real question is not whether Bangladesh has a place in it, but whether it can act quickly enough to claim that place. The race is on, and the stakes are high.