Database

Browse Database

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

Reported in 2022

Pillar Online sales and transactions  |  Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Reported transfer limits in mobile financial services
Reports indicate a transfer limit between mobile financial service accounts and bank accounts of Tk 50,000 (approx. USD 400) daily, and Tk 300,000 (approx. USD 2,500) monthly. The limit applies in both directions.
Coverage Horizontal

BANGLADESH

Since 2019

Pillar Online sales and transactions  |  Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Approval Procedure of Payment System Operator (PSO)/Payment Service Provider (PSP)
According to Section 3.2 of the "Approval Procedure of Payment System Operator (PSO)/Payment Service Provider (PSP)", a PSP is required to obtain a licence and approval from the central bank. In addition, as stipulated in Section 4.2, a PSP must be a company incorporated under the Companies Act of 1994, with a minimum paid-up capital of BDT 200,000,000 (approx. USD 1,600,000). However, the central bank reserves the right to revise the minimum paid-up capital requirement based on the nature of services and business exposure. Additionally, an appropriate technological infrastructure must be established and maintained within Bangladesh. It is reported that, as a result of that local banks and government regulations, foreign online transation platforms such as PayPal cannot operate in the country, with a negative effect on the expansion of e-commerce.
Coverage Payment service providers

BANGLADESH

Since March 1947

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, individuals are prohibited from making payments to, or for the credit of, any person outside Bangladesh, as well as from receiving payments from any person outside the country, without explicit permission from the central bank. Reports indicate that these regulations affect the operations of fintech companies, making their customers unable to purchase or sell 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

BANGLADESH

Since March 2018

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 are required to obtain an enlistment certificate for their entity by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
Coverage Ride-sharing service providers

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 licences", which could be connected to the license requirement in the National Online Mass Media Policy.
Coverage Broadcasters and newspapers

BANGLADESH

Since April 2022

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

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 Horizontal

BANGLADESH

Since April 2022

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 2012, last amended in October 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

BANGLADESH

Reported in 2019

Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Reported prohibition on exports to Israel
It is reported that trade with Israel, including the export of goods and services, is prohibited.
Coverage Horizontal

BANGLADESH

Reported in 2019

Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Open and transparent standard-setting process
Concerns regarding transparency in the standard-setting process
It is reported that there is a lack of transparency in the domain of standards. Approximately 1,500 out of 3,768 Bangladesh Standards (BDSs) remain unpublished. In addition, Bangladesh has yet to submit any notifications regarding draft measures, including technical regulations or conformity assessment procedures, to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade.
Coverage Horizontal

BANGLADESH

Reported in 2024

Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Supplier Declaration of Conformity not allowed for foreign businesses
It is reported that Bangladesh currently lacks a comprehensive type approval system governed by a dedicated law to regulate the approval of telecommunication and radio equipment. Consequently, manufacturers and importers are required to obtain a "No Objection Certificate "(NOC) to import such devices. This certificate is issued upon the request of a licensed local importer and serves as confirmation that the equipment complies with at least the country’s fundamental regulatory requirements. To obtain the certificate, applicants must submit product specifications and test reports to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), yet in-country testing is not required. An acceptable CE report is required for the issuance of a BTRC NOC in Bangladesh.
Coverage Electronic products

BANGLADESH

Since July 2021

Pillar Online sales and transactions  |  Indicator Licensing scheme for e-commerce providers
Digital Commerce Operation Guidelines, 2021 (ডিজিটাল কমার্স পরিচালনা নির্দেশিকা -২০২১)
Pursuant to Section 3.1.18 of the Digital Commerce Operation Guidelines, all foreign digital commerce platforms conducting business in Bangladesh are required to be registered within the country and must obtain the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. In addition, in accordance with Section 3.1.13, measures shall be undertaken to ensure that all digital commerce platforms are progressively mandated to acquire a Unique Business Identification Number (UBID). Additionally, as stipulated in Section 3.1.9, the implementation of digital wallets, gift cards, cash vouchers, or other payment alternatives shall not be permitted without the approval of the Central Bank.
Coverage Digital commerce platforms

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