JAKARTA – Bangladesh has initiated formal discussions with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to strengthen its halal certification capabilities, marking a strategic move to enhance the country’s participation in the expanding global Islamic economy. The initiative was formally presented by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain during a crucial meeting held at the COMSTECH Centre in Pakistan’s capital on September 11, 2025.

Addressing Critical Infrastructure Gaps

Despite serving a predominantly Muslim population exceeding 170 million citizens, Bangladesh recognizes significant shortcomings in its current halal certification framework. While the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh currently manages certification processes, several systemic challenges continue to impede the nation’s competitive edge in international halal markets.

The primary obstacles include insufficient technical expertise among certification officials, limited alignment with internationally accepted halal standards, and inadequate supply chain monitoring systems. These deficiencies have resulted in reduced market access for Bangladeshi halal products, particularly in lucrative Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian regions.

Strategic Partnership Objectives

Bangladesh’s outreach to the OIC centers on several key development areas. The government seeks comprehensive technical collaboration through the OIC’s COMSTECH initiative, focusing on professional development for certification staff and institutional capacity enhancement. Additionally, Bangladesh aims to harmonize its national halal standards with globally recognized protocols to ensure broader international acceptance of its certifications.

A cornerstone of the proposal involves establishing an advanced halal research and training institute under OIC guidance. This facility would serve multiple functions, including professional education, technological innovation, and compliance research. The initiative also encompasses educational scholarships for religious students, preparing the next generation of halal certification professionals and auditing specialists.

Economic Transformation Potential

Enhanced halal certification systems could unlock substantial economic opportunities for Bangladesh. Improved certification credibility would facilitate greater export volumes across multiple sectors, including food processing, cosmetics manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production. This expansion would generate increased foreign exchange earnings while establishing Bangladesh as a trusted supplier in global halal markets.

The modernization effort is expected to create numerous employment opportunities in emerging fields such as halal auditing, laboratory testing, and supply chain management. For domestic businesses, internationally recognized certification would enable premium pricing strategies and improved consumer confidence in both local and international markets.

Operational Challenges and Solutions

Bangladesh currently faces structural challenges in its certification ecosystem. Multiple agencies, including the Islamic Foundation and BSTI, handle various aspects of halal certification, sometimes creating procedural inconsistencies and administrative confusion. The country’s infrastructure limitations, particularly in laboratory facilities and cold storage systems, further complicate compliance verification processes.

International recognition remains a significant hurdle, as Bangladeshi halal certificates often lack acceptance in key export markets. While Bangladesh maintains membership in SMIIC, the OIC’s standards organization, additional alignment measures are necessary to achieve universal certification recognition.

OIC’s Role in Technical Development

The OIC, operating through its COMSTECH division, provides essential scientific and technological cooperation among member nations. For Bangladesh, this partnership could deliver specialized training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative projects focusing on halal traceability systems and food safety protocols. Successful implementation would result in more robust certification procedures and deeper integration into the global Islamic economy.

Future Implementation Strategy

Industry analysts anticipate the launch of formal cooperation programs, potentially beginning with pilot initiatives in food processing and cosmetics sectors. The establishment of a national halal institute with OIC oversight remains a priority objective, designed to build specialized expertise and elevate Bangladesh’s international profile as a halal product exporter.

Economic Impact and Market Integration

Bangladesh’s initiative to secure OIC partnership demonstrates the nation’s commitment to becoming a significant participant in the international halal marketplace. Through focused investment in technical training, standards harmonization, and institutional development, the country seeks to establish a certification framework that commands global confidence and recognition.

The successful implementation of these reforms could position Bangladesh to capture a larger share of the multi-trillion-dollar halal economy, delivering tangible benefits to businesses, employment markets, and consumers throughout the nation. This strategic partnership represents a pivotal step toward transforming Bangladesh’s role in the global Islamic commerce ecosystem.

Original Article:

Halal Times. (2025, September 16). Bangladesh Seeks OIC Support to Strengthen Halal Certification System.  Retrieved from https://www.halaltimes.com/bangladesh-seeks-oic-support-to-strengthen-halal-certification-system/