Several sources apply together. The Digital Commerce Operation Guidelines set operational standards for online sellers and marketplaces. The Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009 governs consumer complaints and penalties, while Bangladesh Bank rules cover payments, escrow and mobile financial services. The Competition Act 2012, the Personal Data Protection Act 2026, cyber security legislation, VAT law and sector rules for regulated products may all be relevant. We prepare a regulatory map for each platform so that management knows which obligations apply, who supervises them and where the risks lie. Where rules overlap, one internal policy meeting the strictest requirement works best.

The Ministry of Commerce expects businesses selling through digital channels to obtain a Digital Business Identity (DBID). Registration helps authorities and customers identify who is behind an online business, and marketplaces and payment providers increasingly ask sellers for it during onboarding. A DBID does not replace a trade licence, tax registration or any sector licence the business needs. We advise sellers and platforms on registration requirements and how DBID checks should be built into seller verification under the wider digital platform regulation framework. Record the identifier supplied and the date it was checked.

It depends on how the platform operates and what it tells customers. A marketplace that controls pricing, fulfilment and payments, or presents goods as its own, is more likely to be treated as responsible to consumers than a pure listing service. Consumer authorities in Bangladesh often look to the platform when complaints arise, regardless of the contractual position. Clear disclosure of the seller's identity, robust seller verification, prompt complaint handling and well-drafted seller agreements with indemnities reduce exposure. We review the operating model and documents to assess where responsibility is likely to fall and how to manage it.

Advance payment is possible but closely regulated in practice. Following the collapse of several marketplaces that took large advance payments, Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Commerce introduced controls, including escrow-style arrangements under which payments for many online purchases are held until delivery is confirmed. Guidelines also set expectations on delivery times and refunds when orders are not fulfilled. The detail depends on the payment channel and product category. We advise platforms on structuring checkout, settlement and refund processes that comply with current rules and protect cash flow without exposing customers to risk. Escrow is central to digital platform regulation.

Foreign platforms can be caught even without a local office. VAT law can require non-resident providers of digital services to register and account for VAT, and consumer protection authorities may act on complaints from Bangladeshi buyers. The Personal Data Protection Act 2026 can reach organisations processing data of people in Bangladesh, and content-related requests from the BTRC apply to services used here. Payment collection must also work within foreign exchange rules. We assess whether a local entity, representative or partner model is best, and prepare a compliance plan. Settle payment, support and returns arrangements before launch.

Platforms hosting user content or streaming video may receive removal or blocking requests from the BTRC and other authorities, and cyber security legislation creates offences relating to certain online content. Draft regulations on digital, social media and OTT platforms have also been discussed, so the framework continues to evolve. Platforms need clear community standards, a process for assessing government requests, records of decisions, user notification where appropriate and secure handling of law enforcement data requests. We help design these processes and advise on individual requests, balancing legal compliance with users' rights and the platform's global policies.

Yes. The Competition Act 2012 prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abuse of a dominant position, and the Bangladesh Competition Commission can investigate digital markets. Risk areas for platforms include exclusivity obligations, price parity clauses that stop sellers offering lower prices elsewhere, self-preferencing in search rankings, and information exchange that helps sellers coordinate prices. Mergers between platforms may also attract scrutiny. We review contracts and practices for competition risk and represent platforms if the Commission opens an inquiry, keeping competition issues aligned with wider digital platform regulation advice. Record the commercial reasons for exclusivity and ranking decisions.

The Personal Data Protection Act 2026 requires a lawful basis for processing, clear privacy notices, security, retention limits and respect for user rights, and it restricts profiling and targeted advertising directed at children. Platforms also share data with sellers, delivery partners, payment providers and advertisers, so contracts and access controls need attention. We help platforms map data flows, update privacy notices and consent journeys, draft data sharing terms with partners and prepare for rights requests and breach notification, as part of overall digital platform regulation compliance. Consider age checks where minors may use the service.