The people of Bangladesh are reaping benefits of various efforts taken by the present government based on the motto of building a digital Bangladesh. This is evidenced by the growing use of information technology in various fields, for example e-commerce. E-commerce is developing rapidly in the country, but in many cases, there are also instances of deviation from the rules. While the proliferation of both Internet-based businesses (e-commerce) and business organisations is positive, the way consumer complaints are growing in this sector day by day cannot help but worry us. So, there is no alternative to ensuring transparency in this sector. There are various inconsistencies in the e-commerce sector. The protection of the rights or interests of consumers is being hampered. In this context, the implementation of relevant policies is urgently needed to expand business through technology.
If consumer confidence is not achieved, this potential sector could be negatively impacted. Honest entrepreneurs and traders will suffer in the long run. In this case, coordination among all the relevant departments and ministries of the government as well as the issues of accountability and responsibility of the entrepreneurs and businessmen are equally important. If e-commerce companies have the opportunity to trade extensively abroad and can ensure transparency, both parties will benefit. But first and foremost, the interests of the consumers must be protected. Earlier, the commerce ministry had decided that e-commerce companies would not get money if the buyer did not get the product ordered. Although mixed reactions were noticed after this decision, we think it was positive in protecting consumer rights.
According to media reports, the e-commerce association of Bangladesh currently has more than one thousand members, but the actual number is five times more involved in online business. We know that many people are running e-commerce through their own websites or portals as well as online business through social media, especially Facebook. From daily necessities to electronics, raw materials, cosmetics and even animals are now being bought online. But many organisations are not able to show professionalism and transparency.
Allegations of fraud in the name of online business have already surfaced in the media. In many cases, customer complaints are not being settled. We believe that, in addition to ensuring the protection of consumer interests, it is also important to take appropriate remedial action against the accused organisations. There is no alternative to establishing discipline. It is by no means desirable that the potential of the e-commerce sector be misled or that good companies be harmed by unscrupulous fraudsters. Surveillance by the administration and consumer awareness can force dishonest and fraudsters to give up. As we have seen, e-commerce has benefited people in many ways during the Covid pandemic. Ensuring discipline and transparency can open up new horizons for e-commerce.
Only professionalism and discipline can nurture consumer confidence in the development of technology. The proper use of information technology can expand the scope of this sector as well as increase employment opportunities. The rapid development of digital commerce in different countries of the world is being achieved through the partnership of international companies with local ones. We can do the same through the legal framework.
