Al Amin :
Recent political unrest in Bangladesh has severely impacted its economy, with the government imposing curfews and suspending internet services nationwide.
The e-commerce sector, a significant pillar of economic stability, has been hit hard, with losses estimated at hundreds of crores of taka per day.
The e-commerce sector, which had seen rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, reported a turnover of over Tk 45,000 crore last year.
The sector, despite facing some scandals, had been transacting between Tk 110 to 115 crore per day. However, the ongoing internet service shutdown has brought business operations to a standstill.
Shahab Shipon, Senior Vice President of E-Cab, remarked, “The sector transacts over Tk 100 crore per day under normal circumstances. The trades have entirely ceased due to the disruption of internet services.”
He noted that while the exact amount of damage is still being assessed, he remains hopeful that the situation will normalize soon, allowing e-commerce businesses to resume operations.
Abdul Alim, founder of the online-based company Pure Heart, shared his concerns: “We source various daily products, including milk, chicken, honey, and spices, from farmers and sell them online in Dhaka.
Our average daily sales were between Tk 45,000 and Tk 55,000, but sales have dropped to zero in the past week.” He added
that the shutdown has led to economic losses due to the spoilage of perishable goods like milk.
Rockmari.com, a leading online business management company, is also struggling due to the internet outage.
The company, which serves around two thousand publishers, students, and professionals, has seen its entire business operations grind to a halt.
Mahmudul Hasan, Manager of Rockmari.com, explained, “Our business relies entirely on the internet; with the service down, we are unable to complete orders.
We used to take orders over the phone, but we have since transitioned to a fully digital service.” Hasan expressed hope for a swift resolution to the internet disruption.
It may be mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted unprecedented damage on the global economy, with Bangladesh being no exception.
Factories were shuttered, and transportation networks came to a standstill, halting economic activities and stalling progress worldwide.
During this period of global upheaval, the e-commerce sector emerged as a crucial lifeline, enabling individuals to obtain essential goods like food and medicine from the safety of their homes.
This sector not only kept businesses operational but also provided a semblance of normalcy and relief amid widespread anxiety.