E‐Commerce Platforms Prohibited to Conduct MLM Business

‘Digital Commerce Management Guide 2021’ has been formulated for smooth running of digital business. From now on, e-commerce companies will not be able to conduct multi-level marketing (MLM) or network business, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said.

He made the remarks at a meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday (July 6th) to discuss the issuance of the 'Digital Commerce Management Guide-2021' from the conference room of the Commerce Ministry.

The Commerce Minister said, "Digital Commerce Management Guideline 2021" has been formulated. It was published in the form of a gazette on July 4. The guidelines for conducting digital commerce have been prepared on the basis of the views of various ministries, government, and non-government organizations and stakeholders concerned with the Ministry of Commerce. It gives detailed explanations about displaying and buying and selling information of products and services for sale in the marketplace, general rules, presentation for sale of products or services in the marketplace, product delivery, advance payment price adjustment etc. Which will be helpful for customers.

Noting that drugs, explosives or any other prohibited items or services cannot be bought and sold under digital commerce, the commerce minister said gambling or online betting or online gambling cannot be organized or participated in. Digital commerce companies cannot organize any kind of lottery without the prior approval of the government. MLM or network business cannot be conducted as well.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Bank, representatives of various government departments, e-Cab President Shomi Kaiser and representatives of various associations were virtually present at the meeting with the hosting of Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh.