Bangladesh is integrating an array of e-commerce solutions into its business processes. Beginning with procurement through preferred vendor partners, Bangladeshi customers can now use authenticated web access to buy and sale different products in very small scale. Bangladesh has a large potentially for e-commerce and its related activities. This presentation will demonstrate the prospect and the future of e-commerce for those business organizations that may be preparing to implement e-commerce solutions into their daily functions. It also tries to show an overall picture of e-commerce, in the context of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s e-commerce market is on the rise, fueled by rapid digital transformation and increasing mobile connectivity. This article explores the current state of e-commerce in Bangladesh, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities. The information is sourced from our Asia-Pacific Data Library, available here for free, and is enriched with external references curated by the PCMI team.

 

Current State of E-commerce in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is an emerging player in the Asia-Pacific e-commerce market. Despite challenges such as limited financial inclusion, the sector continues to expand at an impressive pace.

Key e-commerce statistics for Bangladesh (data from PCMI)

  • E-commerce volume in Bangladesh for 2024: US$9 billion
  • Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for 2024–2027: 12%
  • Forecasted e-commerce volume in Bangladesh for 2027: US$13 billion

However, over 50% of the population remains unbanked1, limiting access to digital payments. Currently, only 3 out of 10 Bangladeshis shop online

 

Profile of the Bangladeshi Online Shopper

79% of Bangladeshis choose to shop online due to the low cost, highlighting price as a critical factor in purchase decisions. 4 in 10 Bangladeshi e-shoppers say that social media, online reviews and recommendations play a crucial role in informing them about new products. Nearly half (47%) of Bangladeshi shoppers feel comfortable making payments on e-commerce platforms, reflecting growing trust in digital transactions.

By 2027, the projected audience for over-the-top (OTT) video streaming in Bangladesh is estimated to reach 11.3 million.

 

Bangladesh E-Commerce Payment Methods and Devices

Bangladesh’s e-commerce market is shaped by a reliance on traditional payment methods and a strong preference for mobile shopping. According to our PCMI’s E-commerce Data Library, the primary payment methods for e-commerce in Bangladesh, by share of volume, are:

  • Cash on delivery — 75%
  • Digital wallet — 11%
  • Credit card — 8%
  • Debit card — 6%

As for devices used for purchasing online, PCMI has observed that:

  • 80% of e-commerce volume in Bangladesh comes from purchases on mobile devices
  • 20% of e-commerce volume in Bangladesh comes from desktop

 

Top-Selling Categories and Leading Online Stores in Bangladesh

Based on consumer responses, the following product categories rank as the most popular among Bangladeshi online shoppers:7

  • Cosmetics (53%)
  • Digital products (51%)
  • Clothes (50%)
  • Footwear (56%)

As for the top online stores in Bangladesh, based on traffic (data from Semrush8), the ranking is as follows:

  • MobileDokan (1.96 million)
  • Apple (1.95 million)
  • Techland (1.01 million)
  • AliExpress (904,000)
  • Walmart (688,000)

 

Key Insights into the Bangladeshi E-commerce Market

Lastly, here are some key insights about e-commerce in Bangladesh according to PCMI data:

 

  • Retail captures 87% of the e-commerce volume in Bangladesh
  • An overwhelming 99% of e-commerce sales in Bangladesh are driven by domestic transactions, underscoring the dominance of local markets in the country’s online shopping landscape
  • Travel emerges as a notable segment, contributing 7% of the market share.