E-commerce business must be sustained to build Smart Bangladesh, said AHM Safikuzzaman, director general of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Consumer Rights in E-Commerce and E-Service Sector: Our Action“, Safikuzzaman highlighted the pivotal role of E-Commerce in the national economic landscape.

Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association organised the event at Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday.

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"Our next business is e-commerce business. „This business must be retained.“ He addressed concerns about customer funds held by e-commerce companies, stating, "To bring back the money of thousands of customers, the companies have to stay in business.“ He explained a measure called VVIT (Verified Vendor Identification and Transaction) aimed at preventing fraud in the sector. Under VVIT, every E-Commerce-Merchant must be registered and supervised by the E-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (E-CAB).

Safikuzzaman revealed that State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Junaid Ahmed Palak, expressed support for these initiatives. "All traders from ECAB will be brought under VVIT, ensuring that registered companies can be tracked if they engage in fraudulent activities."

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Commenting on Consumer Complaint Management, Safikuzzaman outlined two Phases of Consumer Complaint Management (CCMA). The first Phase, applicable to all establishments except e-commerce, is set to roll out nationwide before the next Consumer Day. The second phase involves consumer complaints initially submitted to e-commerce companies. If unresolved, customers can approach the Consumer Rights Office, which will mediate and settle disputes.

Addressing recent media coverage related to the managing director of Evaly, Safikuzzaman criticized what he referred to as "yellow journalism.“ He warned that such reporting could jeopardise the dream of a thriving e-commerce sector in the country.

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Rassel, the managing director of Evaly, reassured, "Our affected customers will get their money back as soon as Evaly gets the business opportunity."

Gazi Golam Tausif, Director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, underscored the significance of the e-commerce sector in the government's goal to build a smart Bangladesh.

The meeting, presided over by Bangladesh Mobile Consumer Association President Mohiuddin Ahmed and moderated by Advocate Abubakar Siddiqui, featured discussions with key industry stakeholders, including E-CAB Secretary General Abdul Waheed Tamal, E-Courier CEO Biplab Ghosh Rahul, and others.