BANGLADESH
Reported in 2022, last reported in 2026
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Complaints about payments' routing through the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB)
The National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) is an electronic platform established in December 2012 to facilitate interoperability among scheduled banks for card-based and online retail transactions. Foreign enterprises operating in the financial services and payment network sectors, such as Visa and Mastercard, have expressed concerns about their operations in the Bangladeshi market following the central bank’s implementation of a mandatory policy requiring all card transactions to be routed through the NPSB. They argue that this policy limits competition and raises security concerns, as the NPSB constitutes a single point of failure in the event of a system crash.
Coverage Financial sector
BANGLADESH
Since September 2019, as amended in May 2025
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Customs (De Minimis) Rules, 2019 (কাস্টমস (ডি মিনিমিস) বিধিমালা, ২০১৯)
The Customs (De Minimis) Rules, as amended in May 2025, permit the duty-free importation of eligible low-value consignments, including non-commercial goods, samples, and other small consignments, with a maximum value of BDT 4,000 (approx. USD 40). This de minimis threshold remains lower than the USD 200 benchmark recommended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250219192202/https://hub.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/storage/uploads/files/Customs%20de%20minimis%20Rules,%202019.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250823204109/https://nbr.gov.bd/uploads/sros/39.SRO-297-2019-D-minimis-Rules-Amend_.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250219192504/https://hub.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/operative-tariff/details/03019990/export/4
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250219192528/https://global-express.org/index.php?id=271&act=101&profile_id=-1&countries%5B%5D=-2&search_terms=&question-filter=&qid_34=1&qid_34_optid=1&qid_35=1&qid_36=1...
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BANGLADESH
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Commercial presence requirement for domain names registry
Access to local domain names in Bangladesh is subject to documentation and eligibility requirements. The “.bd” country-code top-level domain is managed by the Posts and Telecommunications Division, while Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) is listed as the technical contact and operates the official registration service.
BTCL requires applicants seeking to register a “.bd” or “.বাংলা” domain name to create a profile and upload the applicable supporting documents. These may include a national identity card, a trade licence, approval or forwarding letters, or a certificate from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms. Accordingly, access to local domain names is not fully unrestricted, as registration depends on compliance with domestic documentation and eligibility requirements.
BTCL requires applicants seeking to register a “.bd” or “.বাংলা” domain name to create a profile and upload the applicable supporting documents. These may include a national identity card, a trade licence, approval or forwarding letters, or a certificate from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms. Accordingly, access to local domain names is not fully unrestricted, as registration depends on compliance with domestic documentation and eligibility requirements.
Coverage Horizontal
BANGLADESH
Since April 2009
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Consumers’ Right Protection Act, 2009 - Act No. 26 of 2009 (ভোক্তা-অধিকার সংরক্ষণ আইন, ২০০৯)
The Consumers’ Right Protection Act provides a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that also applies to online transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
BANGLADESH
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Bangladesh has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
BANGLADESH
Since 2006
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Bangladesh has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
BANGLADESH
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Bangladesh has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
BANGLADESH
Since March 1947, last amended in September 2015
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 - Act No. VII of 1947 (বৈদেশিক মুদ্রা নিয়ন্ত্রণ আইন, ১৯৪৭ - ১৯৪৭ সালের ০৭ নং আইন)
Bangladesh maintains a highly stringent foreign exchange control regime. The country's foreign exchange laws are broadly applicable to any transaction involving foreign currency or the remittance of funds into or out of Bangladesh. No individual or entity is permitted to engage in foreign exchange dealings without obtaining prior authorisation from the central bank. Pursuant to Section 5 of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947, no person in, or resident in, Bangladesh may, except under a general or special exemption granted by Bangladesh Bank, make payments to, or for the credit of, persons resident outside Bangladesh, place sums to their credit, or create or transfer payment rights in their favour. Separately, Section. 10 regulates the duties of persons entitled to receive foreign exchange or payments from persons resident outside Bangladesh. Reports indicate that these regulations affect the operations of fintech companies, preventing their customers from purchasing or selling products on e-commerce platforms using their preferred payment methods. Consequently, they must rely on intermediaries, such as friends, relatives, or agents, who possess access to foreign currency accounts or payment cards.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-218/section-3338.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250917071726/https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/comparison/1026/15058/23622-23623-23624-23625-23626-23627-23628-23629-23630-23631-23632
- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID4616435_code6251136.pdf?abstractid=4616435&mirid=1
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BANGLADESH
Since March 2018, last amended in June 2019
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Ride Sharing Service Guideline - 2017 (রাইডশেয়ারিং সার্ভিস নীতিমালা-২০১৭)
According to Section A of the Ride-Sharing Service Guidelines, ride-sharing service providers must obtain an enlistment certificate for their entity from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
Coverage Ride-sharing service providers
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250318025003/https://brta.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/brta.portal.gov.bd/page/fc94b819_fce8_4d4b_813e_28e035d29b35/Gazette%20of%20Ride-Sharing-Service-Guideline-2017...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250318025335/https://www.fmassociatesbd.com/doing-business/how-to-setup-transport-business-in-bangladesh-doing-business-in-bangladesh
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240725073753/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/road-transport/vehicles-ride-sharing-enlistment-certificates-start-providing-services
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BANGLADESH
Since September 2020
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
National Online Mass Media Policy, 2017 (Revised 2020) (জাতীয় অনলাইন গণমাধ্যম নীতিমালা, ২০১৭ (সংশোধিত ২০২০) )
According to Section 2.1.6 and Section 2.1.8 of the National Online Mass Media Policy, broadcasters and newspapers in Bangladesh must register and obtain approval for their online portals separately. It is reported that they were permitted to operate websites without formal authorisation before the entry into force of this law.
In July 2023, the district administration of Chattogram reportedly ordered the closure of the offices of CplusTV, a news-sharing YouTube channel and Facebook account, as well as C Vision, a news-sharing Facebook page, on the grounds of "illegally operating without license", which could be connected to the license requirement in the National Online Mass Media Policy.
In July 2023, the district administration of Chattogram reportedly ordered the closure of the offices of CplusTV, a news-sharing YouTube channel and Facebook account, as well as C Vision, a news-sharing Facebook page, on the grounds of "illegally operating without license", which could be connected to the license requirement in the National Online Mass Media Policy.
Coverage Broadcasters and newspapers
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250327213005/https://pressinform.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/pressinform.portal.gov.bd/page/077eb6d2_9c46_44c7_88fc_1abff6cb17b9/2025-03-02-06-10-81da5b24474a...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250214202409/https://freedomhouse.org/country/bangladesh/freedom-net/2024
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210923082219/https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2020/08/31/newspapers-radio-and-tv-channels-to-require-separate-registrations-for-their-websites
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250327215032/https://cpj.org/2023/07/cpj-urges-bangladeshi-authorities-to-lift-shutdown-on-2-social-media-platforms/
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BANGLADESH
Since April 2021
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Directives on Mobile Applications Based (Over-the-Top, OTT) Calling Services of the IPTSP Operators, 2021
Pursuant to Art. 7 of the "Directives on Mobile Applications-Based (Over-the-Top, OTT) Calling Services of the IPTSP Operators, 2021", Internet Protocol Telephone Service Provider (IPTSP) operators seeking to offer mobile application-based calling services (OTT) are required to obtain approval from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Additionally, they must provide a bank guarantee of BDT 50 million (approx. USD 410,000) in favour of the BTRC and enter into a techno-commercial agreement with mobile network operators (MNOs).
The 2021 Directives are to remain applicable unless expressly repealed, withdrawn, amended, or replaced by the BTRC. However, their practical scope may be affected by the Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy, 2025, as Clause 7.4.5 provides for the merger of IPTSP licences with the corresponding ISP licences during the migration to the new Fixed Telecom Service Provider (FTSP) framework.
The 2021 Directives are to remain applicable unless expressly repealed, withdrawn, amended, or replaced by the BTRC. However, their practical scope may be affected by the Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy, 2025, as Clause 7.4.5 provides for the merger of IPTSP licences with the corresponding ISP licences during the migration to the new Fixed Telecom Service Provider (FTSP) framework.
Coverage Internet Protocol Telephone Service Provider (IPTSP) operators
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240521195158/https://btrc.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/btrc.portal.gov.bd/page/2f2e55a5_f856_40a4_b0f3_6839b3905318/2022-02-08-04-37-acb99960a15aa7a9718d6ba679...
- https://itip-services-worldbank.wto.org/DetailView.aspx?id=3217370&id2=&id3=&sPath=000021090010902&mzMode=Modes3
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260429193452/https://objectstorage.ap-dcc-gazipur-1.oraclecloud15.com/n/axvjbnqprylg/b/V2Ministry/o/office-ptd/2024/12/dc545fba9f8b4a39851a4f3290f5573c.pdf
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BANGLADESH
Since April 2022, last amended in December 2024
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Import ban applied on ICT goods or online services
Import Policy Order, 2021-2024
Annexure 1, Part B of the Import Policy Order of 2021–2024 stipulates that the import of reconditioned office equipment, photocopiers, typewriters, telex machines, telephones, fax machines, old computers, old computer accessories, and other old electronic devices is prohibited in Bangladesh.
Coverage Reconditioned office equipment, photocopiers, typewriters, telex machines, telephones, fax machines, old computers, old computer accessories, and other old electronic devices
BANGLADESH
Since April 2022, last amended in December 2024
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Import ban applied on ICT goods or online services
Import Policy Order, 2021-2024
According to Clause 4.d of the Import Policy Order of 2021–2024, goods originating from Israel, those manufactured within its territory, and goods transported by vessels flying the Israeli flag shall not be eligible for importation.
Coverage Goods originating from Israel
BANGLADESH
Since April 2022, last amended in December 2024
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Import Policy Order, 2021-2024
Clause 10.1 of the Import Policy Order of 2021–2024 stipulates that prior approval from the Chief Comptroller of Import and Export is required for unregistered companies that import goods valued above USD 10,000.
Coverage Horizontal
BANGLADESH
Since April 2022, last amended in December 2024
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Export Policy 2024-2027
Annex 2 of the Export Policy for 2024–2027 stipulates that a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) from the Ministry of Information is required for the export of entertainment programmes, music, drama, films, documentary films, and similar content in any form. This restriction has been consistently included in every Export Policy since 2012.
Coverage Entertainment programmes, music, drama, films, documentary films, and similar content in the form of audio cassettes, video cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and other media
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250227034648/https://epb.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/epb.portal.gov.bd/files/52edff8c_b3b9_49c6_a94a_1c35f11557a0/2024-11-12-04-25-1d63f56cca497ab0032ccad99ef85026.p...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220624161110/https://www.epb.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/epb.portal.gov.bd/files/52edff8c_b3b9_49c6_a94a_1c35f11557a0/2020-09-19-17-21-1a1f3e242e719e1ca46832941a5eb5...
