Concern over e-commerce business

E-commerce business has been growing in Bangladesh since 2013 with lifting of certain payment restrictions. However, since the beginning of the pandemic, online business has flourished exponentially since all people could not move freely. This unprecedented growth has helped both businesses and consumers, especially during the shutdown and lockdown.

But the reports of irregularities relating to an e-commerce platform have created a serious credibility crisis. There are allegations that thousands of consumers were allured by high rates of cash back, which many say is not sustainable. Interests of hundreds of thousands of consumers are at stake if such platforms continue theevil-practice.

So, there should be proper regulations of the e-commerce platforms that are still growing in the new market of Bangladesh. Shattering consumers' confidence will not help businesses. Authorities concerned should monitor to ensure if the service providers are operating fairly and without affecting interest of other companies and consumers.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Gandaria, Dhaka

[email protected]