Database

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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 must register in the country and 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 Central Bank's approval.
Coverage Digital commerce platforms

BANGLADESH

Reported in 2022, last reported in 2024

Pillar Online sales and transactions  |  Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Reported restrictions on Internet Banking Fund Transfer (IBFT) transactions
It is reported that limitations have been imposed on both individual and institutional Internet Banking Fund Transfer (IBFT) transactions. For individual users, the maximum permissible amount per transaction is 300,000 taka (approx. USD 2,500), with a maximum transaction frequency of 10 times per day, not exceeding a total of 1,000,000 taka (approx. USD 8,000) per day. For corporate entities, the transaction limit is 500,000 taka (approx. USD 4,000) per transaction, with a maximum frequency of 20 transactions per day and a daily limit of 2,500,000 taka (approx. USD 21,000).
Coverage Horizontal

BANGLADESH

Reported in 2022, last reported in 2025

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

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

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.
Coverage Broadcasters and newspapers

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.
Coverage Internet Protocol Telephone Service Provider (IPTSP) operators

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

BANGLADESH

Since October 2025

Pillar Domestic data policies  |  Indicator Requirement to allow the government to access personal data collected
Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2025 - Ordinance No. 25 of 2025 (সাইবার সুরক্ষা অধ্যাদেশ, ২০২৫ - ২০২৫ সনের ২৫ নং অধ্যাদেশ)
Section 35 of the Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2025 grants police officers the authority to seize computers and related hardware without requiring a warrant.
Coverage Horizontal

BANGLADESH

Since April 2001, as amended in February 2006
Since December 2020
Since February 2024

Pillar Domestic data policies  |  Indicator Requirement to allow the government to access personal data collected
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Authority Act, 2001 - Act No. 18 of 2001 (বাংলাদেশ টেলিযোগাযোগ নিয়ন্ত্রণ আইন, ২০০১ - ২০০১ সনের ১৮ নং আইন)

BTRC Regulatory and Licensing Guideline For Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Bangladesh

BTRC Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Cellular Mobile Services in Bangladesh, 2024
Under Section 97A of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority Act, the Ministry of Home Affairs may, on grounds of national security or public order and with ministerial approval, authorise intelligence, national security, investigative, or law enforcement bodies to record or collect user information relating to subscribers of telecommunications services. Telecommunications operators must provide full cooperation to the authority vested with these powers. This access obligation is reinforced in sector-specific licensing rules.
Section 33 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Regulatory and Licensing Guideline for Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Bangladesh requires ISP operational systems to be compatible with lawful interception and to enable the identification of Wi-Fi subscribers.
Similarly, under Sections 25.03 and 25.05.01–25.05.02 of the BTRC Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Cellular Mobile Services in Bangladesh, 2024, cellular mobile licensees must provide connectivity and information to the BTRC Telecommunication Monitoring System (TMS), connect with the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) lawful interception system, and provide access to CDR, IPDR, PDR, ETSAF data, customer and retailer information, call and radio-location information, recharge information, and other required data. Sections 25.07.01–25.07.02 further authorise BTRC, or its authorised representatives, to inspect licensees’ premises and take copies of records, documents, and other business information.
Coverage Telecommunications sector

BANGLADESH

Since October 2006, last amended in October 2018

Pillar Domestic data policies  |  Indicator Requirement to allow the government to access personal data collected
Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 - Act No. 39 of 2006 (তথ্য ও যোগাযোগ প্রযুক্তি আইন, ২০০৬ - ২০০৬ সনের ৩৯ নং আইন)
Under Section 30 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, the ICT Controller—an officer appointed under this Act responsible for overseeing its implementation—is authorised to access any computer system, apparatus, data, or other material associated with a computer system for the purpose of conducting or facilitating a search to obtain information contained within or accessible to the system. The ICT Controller may, by order, require any individual responsible for, or otherwise involved in the operation of, the computer system, data apparatus, or related material to provide such reasonable technical and other assistance as they deem necessary.
In addition, under Section 46, if the ICT Controller determines that it is necessary or expedient in the interests of the sovereignty, integrity, or security of Bangladesh, international relations, public order, or for the prevention of incitement to commit a legally recognised offence, they may direct any government law enforcement agency to intercept information transmitted through any computer resource. Additionally, they may instruct the subscriber or any individual responsible for a computer resource to provide all necessary assistance in decrypting the relevant information.
Pursuant to Section 29, the ICT Controller or an authorised officer possesses the same authority as that conferred upon a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure of Bangladesh. These powers encompass the authority to conduct "discovery and inspection" as well as to "compel the production of any document."
Coverage Horizontal

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