Bangladesh is planning to join the fast-growing global halal economy, which is worth over $7 trillion. Key policymakers and industry leaders gathered in Dhaka to discuss the country’s potential in halal exports. Officials said Bangladesh could become a global hub for halal products, especially with support from Malaysia.
Bangladesh Has Big Opportunity in Halal Market
Ashik Chowdhury, the Executive Chairman of both BIDA and BEZA, said that Bangladesh is working to become a competitive player in the halal industry. This global sector is growing rapidly and is expected to reach $9.45 trillion by 2034.
“It is ironic that most halal products are produced in non-Muslim countries. This presents a significant opportunity for Muslim-majority nations like ours,”
— Ashik Chowdhury
He mentioned that the government is actively developing policies to attract investment in halal-focused industrial zones. Bangladesh wants to build itself as a hub for halal production.
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Seminar Held in Dhaka
These remarks were made at a seminar titled “Halal Economy 360: Driving Global Growth”, organised by the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), held at the Westin Dhaka on 2 August.
Trade experts, policymakers, and private-sector leaders joined the seminar to discuss how Bangladesh can enter the international halal market using its advantages like:
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A Muslim-majority population
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Business-friendly policies
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Strong ties with Malaysia, a global halal certification leader
Public-Private Partnership Needed
Ashik Chowdhury also said that strong cooperation between government and businesses is needed to build an innovative and sustainable halal sector in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Needs to Diversify Beyond Garments
BMCCI President Shabbir A Khan highlighted the risks of depending too much on the garment industry. He called the halal economy an untapped opportunity for Bangladesh.
“The halal economy represents an untapped opportunity that aligns with our comparative advantages,”
— Shabbir A Khan
He added that Bangladesh could earn $7–8 billion in halal exports to Malaysia by 2030.
Global Halal Market Growing Fast
According to industry projections shared at the seminar:
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The halal food market will grow from $3.3 trillion in 2025 to $9.45 trillion by 2034
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The expected annual growth rate is 12.42%
“We must act now to secure a meaningful share of this burgeoning market,”
— Shabbir A Khan
Malaysia Assures Support
Mohd Shuhada Othman, the Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said Malaysia is ready to help Bangladesh in:
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Halal certification
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Knowledge sharing
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Standardisation
Academic View: Keynote Presentation
Mominul Islam, a professor from the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, presented the main paper at the seminar.
Panel Discussion: What Bangladesh Needs to Do
Panelists included halal food processors, certification authorities, and logistics providers. They all agreed on the need for Bangladesh to match global halal certification standards.
Trade Gap with Malaysia
Participants also discussed the trade imbalance:
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Bangladesh imports $2.6 billion from Malaysia
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But exports only $293.5 million
They believe that increasing halal exports can help close this gap.
Final Thoughts from BMCCI
BMCCI leaders said they are committed to:
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Promoting halal trade
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Attracting more investment
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Boosting international cooperation
They believe the halal sector can play a big role in Bangladesh’s economic future.
Source: TDS
