Islamic Foundation

The Islamic Foundation is a statutory government body under Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and serves as the country’s national halal certification authority. Established by the Islamic Foundation Act, 1975, and headquartered at the Baitul Mukarram complex in Dhaka, the Foundation carries a broad religious mandate covering mosques, Islamic research, publications, and education, with halal certification handled through a dedicated department. It has issued halal certificates since 2007, following an inter-ministerial decision that placed the function with the Foundation.

Bangladesh’s first formal policy on halal certification, drafted by the Foundation in 2015 and approved in late 2023, governs how certificates are issued. Under the policy, the Foundation grants certificates and the national halal logo on behalf of the government to businesses producing, exporting, or importing goods marketed as halal. Coverage spans food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, including herbal, Unani, and ayurvedic medicines. Certificates run for one year and are renewable, with factory inspections required at least annually.

As a state institution rather than a private certifier, the Foundation deals with counterpart national authorities at government level. Its acceptance by JAKIM places certificates issued in Dhaka on a peer footing with those of other national halal authorities, supporting Bangladeshi producers seeking access to the Malaysian market and to buyers who rely on JAKIM’s assessment of certification bodies.