The scam-hit e-commerce companies like Evaly, Eorange and Sirajganj Shop are yet to pay around Tk 3.0 billion back to their respective customers, sources said.
The volume of customers' stuck-up funds with 27 such online shopping platforms is around Tk 5.25 billion, according to the central bank data.
Thirteen companies returned over Tk 2.52 billion of the total blocked money to 28,867 customers until September 27 last, according to the commerce ministry.
More than a dozen troubled online shopping sites are yet to start refunding the customers. These are: Evaly, Sirajganj Shop, Needs, Twenty four TKT, Eorange, Wikum, Akash Neel, Priya Shop, Aladdin's Lamp, Amar Bazaar, Astha Pratik, Home Shop.com, Safe and Infinity Marketing Limited.
The ministry of commerce (MoC) could not make it clear when the remaining amount will be refunded to the customers concerned.
The nine payment gateways and service-providing firms are: bKash, Nagad, Software Shop (SSL), ShurjoMukhi, Foster Corporation, The City Bank, Dutch Bangla Bank, United Commercial Bank and Southeast Bank Ltd.
The MoC started refunding the money in January, 2022.
The government authorities concerned have taken multiple steps in the wake of various scandals by dubious e-commerce platforms.
The government on February 06 introduced the Digital Business Identification (DBID) system to bring discipline in the crisis-ridden e-commerce sector of the country.
The state authority -- Registrar of the Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) -- issues the DBID.
Experts suggested that the government should take prompt steps to restore clients' confidence for the sake of the flourishing e-commerce sector in the country.
