Over 1.5 lakh daily online deliveries: e-CAB

The e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) has said more than 1.5 lakh products and services are being delivered online in the country every day.

Mohammad Abdul Haq Anu, the financial secretary of e-CAB, said about 1,60,000 products and services are being delivered online every day. E-commerce on average grew 25% during the last few years, but last year its growth rate was 70-80%.

Now, due to the ongoing pandemic, it seems that the sector might grow more, said Anu.

He said although the amount of daily transactions is not available, annual transactions through online deliveries are worth Tk16,000 crore.

"The growth rate of daily essentials and food items has reached a record high of 300% in the last six months of 2020," he said at a press conference over online product delivery services during the pandemic on Thursday.

"We have trained 6,000 young entrepreneurs," he said, adding, "50,000 new jobs have been created in the sector during the last year. But that is not enough. We want to conduct more training with the Ministry of Commerce in the future."

He also said the e-CAB is communicating with different financial institutions to resolve various crises of its members.

Speaking at the press conference, e-CAB President Shomi Kaiser said the government has advised the general public to buy online to stem the spread of the virus. "We are working to make the process easier and more customer-friendly."

The deadline for commercial delivery has already been extended from 6pm to midnight through an application submitted by e-CAB, she said.

In the current context, e-CAB is working on a major plan for the current year, focusing on four major issues. To this end, a political conference titled "Rural to Global" will be organised on 11 April.

In response to a question, Shomi said, "The report of the seven-member investigation committee formed by e-CAB to review the business practices of Evaly has been submitted to the Ministry of Commerce.  Now it is up to them to take action.

"However, several other government agencies are investigating the matter. We are keeping an eye on their report. If we get their reports at hand, we will discuss what action can be taken," she said, adding, "We are always in favor of fair business. Those who cheat the consumers will be held accountable for their actions."

Asif Ahnaf, director of e-CAB, said the e-commerce sector is working to finalise the "Digital Commerce Guidelines" of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. However, buyers need to be aware also about from what company they are buying the product.

Last 7 April was e-Commerce Day. This year, the theme of e-Commerce Day was "Stay at home safe, e-Commerce is the future".

Due to the coronavirus crisis, the organisation did not arrange any official event this year, but a number of online events were organised.