Expectations of an Ordinary Member from the Future Leadership of e-CAB

The e-commerce sector plays a vital role in Bangladesh’s digital economy, job creation, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) holds a crucial responsibility in safeguarding the interests of entrepreneurs within this sector, contributing to the formulation of business-friendly policies, and building a sustainable digital commerce ecosystem.

With the upcoming e-CAB election (2026–2028) on the horizon, I have outlined several expectations for the future leadership. In my view, e-CAB should evolve beyond being merely a formal trade organisation; it must become a collective voice for entrepreneurs and an effective partner for their growth. 

The proposals include:

Active Role in Government Policy-Making: Engaging in regular dialogue with the Ministry of Commerce, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Bangladesh Bank, and other relevant authorities to help formulate a national e-commerce roadmap, simplify processes for obtaining a Digital Business Identification (DBID) and trade licences, and resolve bureaucratic complexities.

Member Services at the Divisional Level: Reducing the over-reliance on Dhaka-centric operations by establishing service infrastructure across all eight divisions, launching an online helpdesk, and providing support to grassroots entrepreneurs regarding registration, tax and VAT compliance, training, and business consultancy.

Boosting Sales and Business Connections: Organising national and divisional e-commerce fairs, ensuring affordable stall allocations, providing special opportunities for women and small-scale entrepreneurs, and fostering business linkages between producers, suppliers, and online retailers.

Rational Tax and VAT Policies: Implementing simplified tax compliance systems tailored to the capacity of small entrepreneurs, reviewing the VAT structure on marketplace commissions, and collaborating with the NBR to streamline the process for availing VAT rebates, refunds, and tax adjustments as permitted by law. 

Expansion into International Markets: Initiatives must be taken to identify and remove barriers preventing Bangladeshi entrepreneurs from participating in global marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. This includes simplifying the export of small parcels and streamlining processes related to legitimate international payments, customs, and logistics.

Financing and Payment Facilities: Coordination with relevant institutions is essential to facilitate credit assessments based on sales and transaction data, improve access to SME financing, ensure reasonable merchant discount rates, and provide transparency in escrow services, refunds, and the settlement of merchant payouts.

Fairness in Courier and Logistics Systems: Clear policies must be established regarding delivery, handling of lost or damaged goods, product returns, the settlement of Cash on Delivery (COD) payments, and compensation. Additionally, an effective grievance redressal mechanism should be developed.

Development of New Entrepreneurs and Startups: Priority should be given to the registration and business advisory support for F-commerce (social commerce) entrepreneurs. This includes providing training, mentorship, and technical skill development for young and female entrepreneurs, as well as facilitating connections with banks and investors.

Good Governance and Accountability: A one-stop helpdesk for members should be implemented, alongside time-bound grievance resolution, the publication of audited financial reports, and the release of annual action plans—complete with timelines—and progress reports regarding the fulfilment of election promises.

Recognition of Female Entrepreneurs and Successful Business Owners: Efforts should be made to support female entrepreneurs through financing and training. Furthermore, an annual 'E-commerce Entrepreneur Award' should be introduced, based on transparent evaluation criteria. Entrepreneurs could be recognised for their contributions in areas such as innovation, job creation, customer service, integrity, and success in international markets.

I believe that the implementation of election promises—rather than the promises themselves—should serve as the primary benchmark for the success of the incoming leadership. I expect the new leadership to place equal importance on the interests of all entrepreneurs, whether they are small or large, new or experienced, male or female, and based in the capital or in peripheral regions. Alongside protecting the rights of entrepreneurs, due importance must be given to consumer trust, fair competition, data security, and the conduct of business in compliance with the law. The success of every initiative undertaken by e-CAB should be evaluated based on the tangible business benefits delivered to its members, the creation of new entrepreneurs, market expansion, and concrete progress in resolving challenges. 

To this end, the incoming leadership must ensure accountability to the members by establishing measurable action plans, setting clear timelines, and providing regular updates on progress.

I hope that, through collective effort and responsible leadership, e-CAB will become a trusted hub for entrepreneurs and play an effective role in making Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector stronger, more competitive, and sustainable.

The writer is the chairman of Jachai.com Limited, an e-commerce entrepreneur, and a general member of e-CAB