Stakeholders in the e-commerce sector have urged the government to refrain from enacting new 'Digital Commerce Act 2023' as the draft law introduced by the Ministry of Commerce will create obstacles in building 'Smart Bangladesh'.
Describing it as a violation of the country's constitution and constitutional rights, they have opined that the initiative would leave an impact on the country's small entrepreneurs.
Citing some legal experts, they also have said that bringing order and development in this sector is possible only through the amendment of existing relevant laws and the use of consumer rights laws and competition laws.
They made the comments and observations at a stakeholders' meeting on the draft law held at FBCCI Hall, organised by e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) on Sunday, according to a statement received here on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event as the chief guest, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin said Bangladesh should do its business in the same way the e-commerce business is being run in neighbouring or developed countries.
But the act was drafted without taking into consideration the stakeholders' opinions, he said, adding that there was no technical person in the committee of the Ministry of Commerce.
Moreover, the law should be enacted in line with the international standard, Uddin added.
Speaking on the occasion, Barrister Tanjib ul Alam said the government generally enacts a new law when it faces any problem.
Mentioning that the government is ignoring its responsibility in this regard, Mr Alam said laws can never solve the chaos if they are not enforceable.
There is no need for this law as it will hurt the businesses, he added.
Teachers, journalists, lawyers, technology professionals, women and small entrepreneurs, including e-commerce traders, opposed the draft law for e-commerce, according to the statement.
Opposing the enactment of the law, e-CAB President Shomi Kaiser said further steps will be taken in line with the stakeholders' opinions.
There is no need to form a new authority as there is currently an e-commerce cell, Shomi added.
Dhaka University Associate Professor Dr Subrata Barua, and bKash Limited Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Ali Ahmmed, among others, spoke on the occasion.
e-CAB Secretary General Muhammad Abdul Wahed Tomal moderated the meeting.
