Bangladesh Plans Registration Rule for Foreign Ad Platforms

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The government has proposed requiring foreign digital platforms to establish a registered presence in Bangladesh before they can advertise or conduct digital commerce in the country under a new draft policy aimed at strengthening oversight, improving tax compliance and enhancing consumer protection.

The proposal is included in the draft Cross-Border Digital Commerce Policy 2026, published by the Ministry of Commerce on 22 July. The ministry has invited public feedback on the draft until 6 August.

If approved, global digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Google will have to obtain registration before publishing advertisements targeting Bangladeshi consumers or selling goods and services online. Registered platforms will also be required to comply with applicable value-added tax (VAT), income tax and other legal obligations.

According to the draft, foreign digital commerce companies must secure a digital business identity registration from the Ministry of Commerce before operating in Bangladesh's online marketplace. Once registered, they will be permitted to advertise products and services in accordance with the country's tax and regulatory requirements.

The proposed policy also seeks to introduce a cross-border escrow payment system under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank to make international digital transactions more secure and protect both buyers and sellers. It also calls for integrating payment infrastructure with internationally accepted payment networks and simplifying payment procedures for imports and the repatriation of export earnings.

To improve transparency in cross-border trade, customs documents for imported goods—including bills of entry, bills of lading and invoices—will be required to identify not only the buyer but also the digital platform or online marketplace through which the transaction was conducted.

The draft further proposes policy support to expand Bangladesh's digital exports by helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access international markets. Planned measures include insurance facilities for parcel-based exports, assistance in exploring overseas markets, improving digital capabilities and meeting international quality standards.

The government is also considering treating export earnings generated through digital commerce in the same manner as conventional exports, making them eligible for financial incentives.

In addition, the draft proposes policy support for private-sector investment in domestic and overseas processing centres, warehouses, drop-shipping operations, entrepot trade and merchanting trade.

The policy includes several consumer protection measures designed to reduce fraud in digital commerce. It proposes banning the online sale or promotion of counterfeit, adulterated, fraudulent or prohibited products and services, as well as digital transactions involving online gambling, betting, lotteries and items restricted under Bangladesh's import and export regulations.

Social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms would only be allowed to carry advertisements for lawful products and services. Advertisements promoting counterfeit, misleading or prohibited products would not be permitted.

The draft also requires sellers to accept returns and provide full refunds through the original payment method if customers receive defective, counterfeit, expired or non-compliant products. Businesses must clearly disclose their after-sales service, warranty, guarantee and refund policies.

To address disputes arising from international digital transactions, the government also plans to introduce an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Overall, the proposed policy aims to strengthen cross-border digital commerce while promoting business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) trade, alongside coordination with the National Board of Revenue to review online import value thresholds.