Bangladesh has brought halal product standard-setting, halal standards and certification under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with the Islamic Foundation responsible for the work. The Cabinet Division issued a notification amending the Rules of Business, 1996, the Islamic Foundation said in a press release on Monday.

Under the amended rules, a new responsibility has been added under “Ministry of Religious Affairs” in Schedule 1, which distributes duties among ministries and divisions. The new item, placed after existing item 22 as item 23, covers matters relating to halal standards and certification. Relevant government agencies and institutions will provide necessary coordination and support.

The Islamic Foundation will handle the formulation and implementation of halal standards, product standards and certification matters under the ministry’s mandate. The foundation has long been involved in halal certification for domestic producers and export-oriented firms. The release said the decision is expected to strengthen policy coordination, improve institutional capacity, support transparency in certification, build consumer confidence and facilitate wider Bangladeshi participation in the international halal market.