Staff Correspondent

Abu Saleh Patwary, an official in the Halal Certification Branch of the Islamic Foundation, has been immediately transferred (stand-released) to the Narsingdi District Office following an office order issued on Sunday.

This administrative action was taken after allegations emerged regarding irregularities, extortion of extra money, and bribery within the halal certification issuance process.

According to sources, representatives of leading exporters and food processing companies raised complaints about extra money collection, bribery, harassment, and the imposition of unnecessary conditions for obtaining halal certificates during a recent workshop titled “Halal for Export Diversification” organized by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI). Representatives from prominent enterprises such as Pran, Akij, Bombay Sweets, Bengal Meat, and Easy Process Foods participated in the workshop.

Following the allegations, Islamic Foundation Director General Mufti Mohibullah Hil Baki made a preliminary review of the matter, subsequently stand-releasing the accused official to the Narsingdi District Office. Preparations are also underway to form a committee to investigate the complaints, and action will be taken against the official according to rules if the accusations are proven true.

During the workshop, Khurshid Ahmed Farhad, General Manager of Bombay Sweets and Company Limited, alleged that obtaining halal certificates from the Islamic Foundation and BSTI requires various informal expenses beyond official fees. In his words, acquiring a certification entails dealing with non-halal activities, referring to bribery. BCI Director and Easy Process Foods Chairman Zia Haider Mithu alleged that under the guise of inspections, demands are made for transport arrangements, hospitality, and extra money.

Business leaders complained that although government regulations specify honorariums and TA/DA for inspectors, institutions are routinely forced to pay excess amounts ranging from BDT 20,000 to BDT 80,000. Further grievances included demands for visit fees even after online inspections are completed, alongside demands for additional funds prior to certificate issuance.

Speaking at the event, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif noted that the global halal economic market has reached $5.2 trillion, and Bangladesh can achieve remarkable progress in this sector if an internationally acceptable and integrated certification system is established. BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez stated that Bangladesh's current halal product exports stand at approximately $850 million, and establishing a transparent, accountable, and internationally standardized single halal certification system could significantly boost exports and foreign exchange earnings.

Participants at the workshop demanded a neutral investigation into the raised complaints, legal action against those responsible, and the formation of an international-standard single halal certification authority.