The Rise of Bangladeshi E-commerce
Founder & CEO, Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB)
Executive Director, Online Training Academy (OTA)
Secretary General, Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI)
Over the past decade, Bangladesh has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its digital economy, with e-commerce emerging as one of its most dynamic sectors. The rapid proliferation of smartphones, increased internet penetration, and a growing middle class have all contributed to the surge in online shopping and digital transactions across the country. According to the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), the e-commerce market size in Bangladesh reached approximately BDT 30,000 crore (USD 2.73 billion) in 2023, up from just BDT 1,800 crore (USD 210 million) in 2017. With over 50 million active internet users and around 10 million regular online shoppers, platforms such as Daraz, Chaldal, Pickaboo, and Evaly (before its collapse) have reshaped consumer behavior and retail logistics. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, accelerating digital adoption as consumers turned to online platforms for essentials, electronics, and services.
This digital revolution has not only expanded urban market reach but has also empowered rural entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, and SMEs to access national and even international consumers. Backed by supportive government policies like the “Digital Bangladesh” vision and the National ICT Policy, the sector is poised for continued growth, with projections estimating the market to exceed USD 5 billion by 2027. As the country embraces cashless transactions and digital logistics solutions, the rise of e-commerce in Bangladesh signals a major shift in how commerce is conducted in the 21st century.
1. A New Era of Shopping
Bangladesh is entering a new era of shopping, driven by a perfect storm of technological advancement, demographic change, and economic progress. At the heart of this transformation is the explosive growth of smartphones and internet access. As of 2024, Bangladesh has over 190 million mobile subscribers, with more than 130 million internet users, largely accessing the web through smartphones. This connectivity boom has made online shopping more accessible than ever, even in remote and rural areas.
The country’s young, tech-savvy population is another powerful engine behind this shift. Over 60% of Bangladesh’s population is under the age of 35, and this digitally native generation is far more comfortable browsing, comparing, and purchasing products online than their predecessors. From ordering food and fashion to booking rides and services, these digital consumers are rapidly changing the landscape of retail.
In parallel, Bangladesh’s steadily growing middle class with increasing disposable income is reshaping consumer habits. According to the Boston Consulting Group, the middle and affluent class (MAC) in Bangladesh is expected to reach 35 million by 2025, up from 12 million in 2015. With rising purchasing power, more Bangladeshis are turning to e-commerce platforms for convenience, variety, and competitive pricing.
Together, these trends are ushering in a new chapter in Bangladeshi commerce one that is fast, flexible, and increasingly digital.
2. The E-commerce Landscape: Platforms and Players
The e-commerce ecosystem in Bangladesh has evolved rapidly, with a diverse array of platforms catering to different segments of the market. Leading the charge is Daraz, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, which has become the country’s largest online marketplace. With millions of products across categories like electronics, fashion, and groceries, Daraz has set the standard for logistics, digital payments, and customer service in the sector. Other prominent platforms include Bikroy.com, known for its classified ads and C2C model, and Chaldal, which specializes in grocery delivery and has pioneered efficient supply chain management in urban areas. Though Evaly once made headlines with aggressive marketing and massive discounts, its downfall due to financial irregularities highlighted the importance of transparency and regulation in the industry.
Beyond these major players, a wave of local startups is fueling innovation and entrepreneurship in the e-commerce space. Platforms like Pickaboo (electronics and gadgets), Rokomari (books and educational materials), and Sindabad (B2B commerce) are tapping into niche markets with tailored solutions. These startups are not only providing new shopping experiences but also generating employment and encouraging tech-driven business models across the country.
Another major force reshaping the e-commerce landscape is the rise of social media commerce, or “f-commerce.” Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become essential tools for thousands of small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs particularly women to reach customers directly. With over 45 million active Facebook users in Bangladesh, many consumers now prefer to browse and buy products through Facebook pages, Messenger, and live video streams, often with integrated payment and delivery options.
Together, these platforms and players represent a dynamic and fast-evolving marketplace, where innovation, accessibility, and consumer demand are driving Bangladesh toward a digitally empowered retail future.
Interviewed by Srinagesh, Director, Cintinex, India
3. Opportunities and Challenges
Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector holds tremendous potential, fueled by high demand across several key industry verticals. Fashion and apparel lead the charge, especially among young consumers drawn to trendy, affordable clothing available online. Electronics and gadgets are another high-growth category, with smartphones, accessories, and home appliances being top sellers on platforms like Daraz and Pickaboo. The demand for online grocery delivery, especially through platforms like Chaldal, has seen a sharp rise in urban areas, driven by convenience and time-saving factors. Additional growth areas include beauty products, home décor, books, and baby care items, all reflecting changing lifestyles and shopping behaviors.
Despite these opportunities, the sector faces several pressing challenges. One of the most persistent hurdles is the lack of efficient and secure payment gateways. Although mobile financial services (MFS) like bKash, Nagad, and Rocket have improved accessibility, many consumers still prefer cash-on-delivery (COD) due to trust issues and limited banking access. Logistics and delivery infrastructure also pose significant barriers, particularly outside major cities where last-mile delivery can be slow, unreliable, or expensive. Moreover, the lack of consumer protection and weak regulatory oversight have eroded trust at times especially following high-profile scandals like Evaly, which damaged confidence in online platforms.
Yet, the future outlook remains highly optimistic. With increasing smartphone penetration, improved digital literacy, and government support for a “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041, the e-commerce sector is expected to grow steadily. Initiatives to modernize payment systems, invest in logistics infrastructure, and implement stronger regulatory frameworks will be crucial in unlocking this potential. Analysts estimate that by 2027, Bangladesh’s e-commerce market could surpass USD 5 billion, provided the ecosystem continues to innovate and adapt.
In short, while challenges remain, Bangladesh’s e-commerce journey is still in its early chapters with vast opportunities waiting to be seized in the years ahead.
4. The Future of E-commerce in Bangladesh
As Bangladesh’s digital economy matures, the future of e-commerce promises to be even more transformative. Several emerging technological trends are already beginning to shape the next phase of online retail. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is enabling platforms to offer personalized shopping experiences, with product recommendations tailored to individual preferences and behavior. Chatbots, voice search, and smart assistants are improving customer service, while data analytics is helping businesses make smarter inventory and marketing decisions. Additionally, the rise of augmented reality (AR) in fashion and furniture, along with automated warehouses and drone delivery pilots, signals a more seamless, tech-driven shopping experience on the horizon.
This rapid evolution is also expected to significantly impact traditional brick-and-mortar retail. As more consumers embrace the convenience of digital shopping, traditional retailers are facing a new era of competition one that demands agility, innovation, and hybrid models. Many physical stores are already shifting toward omnichannel strategies, blending offline presence with online platforms to stay relevant and accessible.
For businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors, the booming e-commerce sector presents immense opportunities. From launching niche online brands to building logistics solutions or developing fintech products tailored to digital commerce, the possibilities are vast. Startups that can solve pain points such as fast delivery, secure payments, or rural reach stand to gain significantly. Government policies supporting digital inclusion, SME development, and ICT infrastructure further bolster the case for long-term investment.
Ultimately, the future of e-commerce in Bangladesh is not just about selling online it’s about reimagining how business is done in the digital age. Those who adapt early and innovate boldly will be at the forefront of this revolution.
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5. Conclusion
Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector has risen rapidly over the past decade, fueled by key drivers such as widespread smartphone adoption, increasing internet access, a youthful and tech-savvy population, and a growing middle class with disposable income. From major platforms like Daraz and Chaldal to innovative local startups and social media-based sellers, the digital marketplace is expanding in all directions. While challenges remain such as payment infrastructure, logistics, and consumer trust the sector’s long-term potential is undeniable, with forecasts projecting exponential growth in the coming years.
Now is the perfect time to engage with this dynamic landscape. Whether you’re a consumer, entrepreneur, investor, or policymaker, there are countless ways to contribute to and benefit from Bangladesh’s digital commerce revolution. Explore the platforms, support local businesses, or consider launching a venture of your own.
With the right investments in technology, regulation, and innovation, the future of e-commerce in Bangladesh is bright. It holds the promise of greater inclusion, economic growth, and global connectivity. The journey has just begun, and the opportunities ahead are as exciting as they are expansive.
