Coca-Cola, one of the country's leading beverage companies, has announced Ju-un Nahar Choudhury as the new Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bangladesh Limited. She is the first Bangladeshi woman to take on the role of Managing Director for Coca-Cola Bangladesh Ltd. In this role, Choudhury will work closely with bottling and business partners, customers and other external stakeholders in the country. She started her career with Unilever as a management trainee in marketing, and left her mark in various roles including leading the team who won a Guinness world record for the nationwide ‘Lifebuoy handwashing washing campaign’ covering 86,000 youth simultaneously in over 60 locations, said the comps on Monday. She moved to Indonesia in 2014 with Reckitt Benckiser looking after the Dettol business. She also worked with Danone Indonesia as Head of Innovation and then joined aCommerce, an end-to-end ecommerce enabler present across seven ASEAN countries, as the FMCG director. Read more: Nahida Akter emerges as first Bangladeshi to win 'ICC Women's Player of the Month' award After spending eight years in Indonesia, Choudhury moved back to Bangladesh and joined Apex as marketing director in 2023. Speaking on her appointment, Ju-un Nahar Choudhury, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Bangladesh said, “I am delighted to join the Coca-Cola system and partner with our bottling partners, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages (CCBB) & Abdul Monem Limited (AML), and other stakeholders to refresh our consumers in Bangladesh." She also said, "I am humbled to lead Bangladesh on this Coca-Cola journey and I am committed to steer our brands and franchise operations to new heights.” Choudhury is the first woman to be appointed to this position in Bangladesh and will be replacing former Managing Director, Ta Duy Tung, who was appointed back in 2021.   Read more: BUET Professor Syeda Sultana Razia wins 2023 OPCW The Hague Award Ajay Vijay Bathija, Vice President of Franchise Operations for Southwest Asia (SWA), said, “We welcome Ju-un to Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola Company reiterates its focus on building a sustainable business in an important market like Bangladesh. Ju-un joins at an exciting time of the company’s journey in the country and our partners will gain a great deal from her wide experience in FMCG and e-commerce.” Coca-Cola is the first company in Bangladesh to launch 100% recycled PET bottles in Bangladesh. Coke Studio Bangla, as a digital music platform, boasts a YouTube channel with 2.86 million+ subscribers, surpassing the combined subscriber count of some of Bangladesh's biggest brands.  As per a socio-economic impact study, the Coca-Cola system in Bangladesh contributes to the continuous economic growth of the country and also supports nearly 22,100 jobs which consist of 833 direct jobs and 21,300 indirect jobs. Read more: Bangladeshi marine biologist Alifa Bintha Haque wins WINGS Women of Discovery Award

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. Shoeb Chy made Chairman of FBCCI standing committee on press, media "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." BGMEA chief seeks collective efforts for community development 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. Islami Bank inaugurates 12 sub-branches 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.

Evaly founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammad Rassel on Tuesday said that his company will not take much time to refund money lost by customers with the way the e-commerce platform is currently being managed. He expressed this optimism at a discussion on consumer rights in the e-commerce and e-services sector, held at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday. The meeting was organized by the Bangladesh Mobile Consumers Association (BMCA). Evaly CEO Rassel: no relief from jail despite bail in DSA case He said that if everyone cooperates with the way Evaly is currently operating and making profits, it will not take much time to resolve customers’ liabilities. Evaly’s business is being managed by a cash and delivery system, Russell said, where the customer will pay after receiving the product. The money will go directly to the company that supplies the product. From there, VAT, and taxes are paid to the government. Evaly CEO Rassel, Chairman Nasrin indicted in DSA case   According to the BMCA, currently, the e-commerce market in the country is around USD $3 billion, with significant growth potential. AHM Shafiquzzaman, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers' Rights Protection, Gazi Golam Tawsif, Director of Bangladesh Competition Commission, Abdul Wahed Tomal, secretary of E-cab, and Mohiddin Ahmed, among others, spoke in the program. Embezzlement case: Evaly CEO, chairman indicted

Speakers at a discussion have said that proper regulatory measures could help boost the e-commerce business in Bangladesh by creating a sustainable image of the sector already wounded by some bad examples of fraud in the recent past. They say the development of the sector is helping the economy in ways as the sector is set to expand further over the next few years. Citing some research work, they say the business-to-customer e-commerce market in Bangladesh is expected to grow by 17.61% on an annual basis, aimed at reaching Tk65,966 crore in 2022. The e-commerce market size in 2021 was about Tk56,870 crore and will be around Tk1.5 lakh crore by 2026, they say adding that the sector is gaining momentum through the country’s registered e-commerce companies, non-registered online platforms and social media-based trading pages where mostly young people are engaged as entrepreneurs. Read more: Tipu Munshi expects sugar prices to drop in line with import duty

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Wednesday the company does not have plans to stop selling the antisemitic film that gained notoriety recently after Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving tweeted out an Amazon link to it. Pressure has been mounting on Amazon to discontinue sale of the film, called “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America," since Irving shared the link to the documentary with his millions of Twitter followers in October. The synopsis on Amazon says the film “uncovers the true identity of the Children of Israel.” Read more: Amazon reportedly pays no tax in 2018 At The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York City, Jassy said it is difficult for the company to determine what content crosses the line to where Amazon doesn’t make it available to customers. “As a retailer of content to hundreds of millions of customers with a lot of different viewpoints, we have to allow access to those viewpoints, even if they are objectionable — objectionable and they differ from our particular viewpoints,” the Times quoted Jassy as saying. He said making decisions about what content to take down is “more straight forward” in some cases, such as when it “actively incites or promotes violence, or teaches people to do things like pedophilia." Dozens of celebrities, public figures as well as Jewish organizations and the Nets have called on the company to take down the film or add a disclaimer offering an explanation as to why the documentary and related book are problematic. Amazon told the newspaper earlier this month that it would look into adding a disclaimer on the documentary’s main page. But that hasn’t happened. The Seattle-based company did not reply to request for comment sent by The Associated Press earlier this month on whether it would add a disclaimer or not. Jassy, who is Jewish, said Wednesday that Amazon has employees that flag content, but scaling that more broadly could be challenging. Rea more: EU files antitrust charges against Amazon over use of datad  “The reality is that we have very expansive customer reviews,” he said. “For books with a lot of attention — especially public attention — customers do a good job monitoring other people.” Irving was suspended by the Nets on Nov. 3 after he refused to issue the apology that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sought for posting the link the the film. He returned after issuing an apology more than two weeks later. He missed eight games.

Evaly is set to resume operation with a ‘Dhonnobad Utshob’ (‘Thank You Festival’) to express gratitude to millions of customers and merchants across Bangladesh. The platform will start the campaign from October 28 at 10 pm, said a press release from the company. Popular brands like Walton, Jamuna, Artisan, O'code, Viomi, Samsung, iPhone, One Plus, and Vivo will participate in the Evaly campaign. Read: Evaly may start sales campaign from Oct 15, Shamima hints For purchases from the secured platform, customers will have three options: pick and pay, cash on delivery and cash before delivery. Customers will also get a ‘star’ for each shipment from Evaly under the customer loyalty program. The loyalty points can be used for future shopping with the platform. Regarding the campaign, Evaly co-founder Shamima Nasrin said the company strongly believes that it will be able to repay past debts through resuming operations. “Evaly is now a brand infused with this nation’s passion. We now have two independent directors from e-CAB and commerce ministry. So now, there’s more responsibility and accountability than before,” she said. Read Evaly files application to restart business Shamima mentioned that Evaly will offer products at an attractive price, without counting losses. “Utilising the infrastructure of digital Bangladesh and selling products profitably using e-commerce, we can give customers the ‘best price’ compared to the traditional market. We will give utmost importance to quick delivery and customer service,” she added. The entrepreneur has pledged to deliver all previous orders. “We are looking forward to the early release of our former CEO Mohammad Rassel to accelerate our momentum and strengthen Evaly,” Shamima said. On September 16, last year, Evaly CEO Mohammad Rassel and his wife Shamima were arrested during a raid on their house in capital’s Mohammadpur area. Read Evaly CEO, chairman sued again in Chattogram The owners of Evaly were allegedly involved in embezzlement of several hundred crores of taka. They were arrested after a victim filed a case against them. On April 6 this year, Shamima, co-founder of Evaly, was out on bail.

ohsogo.com, a new Bangladeshi e-commerce site of international beauty and personal care products, was recently launched at a Dhaka hotel. ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was the chief guest at the launching ceremony. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Tahsan, Mehjabeen, Nirob; social media influencer and beauty bloggers Ashfi Onadi, Linda, Barisha Haque, Ishaya; and hair stylist Kamrul were also present. Read Commerce Ministry launches digital business ID for e-commerce sector "The current growth of the Bangladesh's economy, especially in the skin and personal care industry, and the investment-friendly environment of the government inspired us to invest in ohsogo.com," Rishika Chanda, managing director of Venturi Partners, one of the investors of ohsogo.com, said. Ohsogo.com CEO Zahidul Islam said: "Like other countries of the world, there is a huge demand for beauty and personal care products in our country. But our customers are not always getting authentic international products even paying high prices. Ohsogo.com has brought 100 percent authentic products." Ohsogo.com was unofficially launched in April 2022. Read BFIU summons bank accounts update of 30 e-commerce companies

The election of e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) will be held on Saturday to pick its executive committee for the 2022-24 period. A total of 795 members have the voting rights in the election to be held from 10am to 4pm at Sayeedana Community Centre in the city’s Dhanmondi area. In the election, 31 candidates are vying for nine posts of the e-CAB executive committee. On March 28, the election schedule was announced and 36 aspirants submitted nomination papers, but five candidates withdrew their candidature. The three-member electoral board, headed by its chairman and FBCCI vice president Amin Helali, will conduct the polls. The current president of e-CAB is Shomi Kaiser, while general secretary Muhammad Abdul Wahed Tomal. Also read: e-CAB formed 7-member body to observe business of Evaly

Mobile financial services provider Nagad, in partnership with business technology solution provider DotLines, has launched the e-commerce platform Nagad Mela for its customers. Nagad Mela is a one-stop marketplace developed with a mix of local small and medium- businesses. It has more than 10,000 products in six popular categories. Customers can access Nagad Mela through the Nagad app. They can also access this platform by directly visiting its website. Read Zakat can be donated to Islamic organisations through Nagad The platform sells everything from electronics to mobile phones, lifestyle products, baby apparel and toys, personal care and home decor items. With Eid-ul-Fitr around the corner, customers can now enjoy up to 60 percent instant cashback on their purchases. Nagad Mela aims to ensure that products are delivered within three to five days using E-Courier's countrywide network. Read Eid: Nagad offers up to 35% cashback, discount on shopping

The businessmen of e-commerce platforms have to take digital business identification number (DBID) for doing business from now on. The Ministry of Commerce on Sunday formally launched the DBID App at its conference room in the secretariat in order to bring discipline in the e-commerce sector in Bangladesh. After revealing different scams of e-commerce companies in recent months, the ministry has taken a move to bring all the e-commerce companies and individuals under a single umbrella. Also read: FBCCI to work for restoring confidence in e-commerce sector As a result, those who will do business online through Facebook will have to come under registration. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi inaugurated the app as the chief guest. Adviser to the Prime Minister’s on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Junaid Ahmed and Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh were present on the occasion. Launching the app, registrations were provided to Chaldal.com, Rokmari.com, Ajkerdeal, Sajgoj, Akhi’s Collection on the day. Read Ecommerce, pharma to see higher salaries in India, but less so for hospitality: Aon survey Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said, "We started with DBID, and more systems will be introduced for the e-commerce sector in phases.” Replying to a query the commerce minister said, “We are discussing who are in jail for e-commerce related cases, to find a solution.” State Minister Junaid Ahmed said the e-commerce sector could provide employment to 5 lakh people by 2025. Also read: BFIU summons bank accounts update of 30 e-commerce companies “Two new approaches will be introduced in the next six months to make the e-commerce sector more reliable for the future. With a tracking system can be found out where the product is going. Another can be easily transacted,” he added.