The government on Sunday introduced the Digital Business Identification (DBID) system to bring discipline in the crisis-ridden e-commerce sector of the country.
From now on, the e-commerce companies will not be able to run their business without obtaining the identification certificate from the concerned authority - Registrar of the Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi inaugurated the DBID online registration app, after a high profile meeting at his secretariat office on the day, expecting that the e-commerce sector would move forward in the country.
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak also spoke at the function.
Senior officials of the commerce ministry and representatives from different ministries, state agencies and trade bodies like intelligence agencies, Bangladesh Bank, FBCCI, e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh were present at the event.
Senior secretary of the commerce ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh moderated the function.
Some 11 e-commerce companies were provided with the DBID certificate copies.
"The government has taken multiple steps with an eye to bringing discipline in the e-commerce business," Tipu Munshi said. "Different methods will be introduced for the sector gradually."
The minister said that the government is trying to make some arrangements so that the customers get back their stuck up funds from the scam-hit e-commerce platforms.
It will take some time as there are legal complexities, he added.
The online shopping portal Qcoom has already refunded more than Tk 150 million to its affected clients, Mr. Munshi mentioned.
Replying to a question about the e-commerce entrepreneurs who are now under trial, he said: "We're trying to resolve the issue. However, it depends on the law."
The DBID holders could claim various facilities from the government while the government will be able to oversee and monitor activities of the country's e-commerce entities.
Mr Salman Rahman said the DBID platform will support and cooperate with the country's small and women entrepreneurs. An inter-ministerial meeting will be held soon so that such entrepreneurs do not face any problem in getting TIN and trade licence, opening bank account and getting bank loan facility.
Mr Palak said that the DBID will give a strong and credible foundation to the e-commerce business sector.
He said the e-commerce sector would provide employment to 0.5 million people by 2025. Two new systems including a central logistic tracking platform (CLTP) and inter-operable digital platform will be introduced within the next six months to make the e-commerce sector more reliable in the future.
A source, however, said apart from the e-commerce platforms, all other related business entities would also be brought under the digital platform gradually.
Earlier, the government was supposed to launch a Unique Business Identification (UBID) system. It, however, was renamed as the Digital Business Identification (DBID).
The different moves have been taken in the wake of various scandals by dubious e-commerce platforms such as Evaly, Eorange, Dhamaka Shopping, Sirajganj Shop, etc.
The government authorities concerned are also working to introduce a central complaints management system (CCMS) to be developed by the ICT division.
There are around 1,609 e-commerce companies under the E-cab. There are some 2500 digital commerce firms in the country, according to the commerce ministry documents.
