Cabinet authorizes e-commerce policy

A file photo shows a man browsing an e-commerce site on a computer in Dhaka. The Cabinet on Monday approved the National Digital Commerce Policy 2018 with the aim of ensuring safe digital transactions removing mistrust of buyers and purchasers in digital commerce. — New Age photo

The Cabinet on Monday approved the National Digital Commerce Policy 2018 with the aim of ensuring safe digital transactions removing mistrust of buyers and purchasers in digital commerce.
The approval was given at the weekly meeting of the Cabinet held at the Bangladesh Secretariat with prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
Earlier this year, the information and communication ministry published a draft on digital commerce policy seeking stakeholders’ comment by May 30, 2018.
According to e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh, over 715 businesses are members of e-CAB, which delivered 30,000 products in 2017 and transacted Tk 1,800 crore.
In addition, there are 1,000 e-commerce-based sites and 10,000 Facebook pages that run online-based businesses.
‘The government has formulated the policy for the development of industries, growing export and creating more jobs in the ICT sector,’ said Cabinet Division secretary (coordination and reform) NM Zeaul Alam while briefing reporters after Monday’s meeting.
As per the policy, a cell will be formed under the commerce ministry for proper implementation of the activities of digital commerce and protection of consumer rights.
Zeaul said the policy focuses on ensuring safe digital transactions through the use of ICT, identifying piracy and hacking and checking those, removing fear from purchasers and sellers and enhancing their confidence in the digital commerce.
He said the scope for ICT-based commerce has opened due to the rise of internet, social networking sites, mobile apps and other digital communication means throughout the world. ‘Digital commerce is getting popular day by day across the world.’
As per the draft document, the policy would give customers to lodge complaints about any service or goods that they received through any digital platform.
The draft policy also called for introducing new payment tools such as prepaid cards so that the customers can complete transactions in more convenient manner.
Raising awareness will be a big part of the policy where the government and industries will work together to make customers familiar with shopping and making payments through digital channels.
The policy also asked ministries concerned to formulate an operational directive for digital transactions, and delivery of goods and services.
If any kind of e-commerce-related crime is identified, measures will be taken under the traditional law of the country, it said.

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