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A surge in applications for Digital Business Identification (DBID) signals growing formalisation of Bangladesh’s online commerce sector, but approvals remain slow, exposing persistent bottlenecks.

Data from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms show that total DBID applications have climbed to 13,541. Of these, 13,189 have been processed, with 352 still pending.

However, only 2,136 businesses have secured certification so far—highlighting a wide gap between applications and approvals.

Rising interest, low success rate

The number of certified digital businesses has increased from around 1,500 a year ago, reflecting growing interest in formal registration.

Yet the approval rate remains low. Earlier estimates suggest more than 85% of আবেদন failed due to non-compliance, and যদিও certifications have risen, the success ratio still points to strict requirements and high rejection rates.

Officials say most applications are rejected due to incomplete documentation and failure to meet key conditions—particularly the requirement to clearly display terms and conditions in Bangla on digital platforms.

Small businesses struggle

Industry insiders argue that the process is too complex, especially for small entrepreneurs and social media-based sellers.

Many applicants face repeated rejections over documentation gaps and technical compliance issues, slowing down the certification process.

Business leaders say simplifying the system is crucial to bring more firms under formal oversight.

Post-scam reform, rapid growth

The DBID system was introduced in 2022 by the Ministry of Commerce following major e-commerce scams, including the Evaly incident, to restore consumer confidence and improve sector discipline.

Under current rules, all e-commerce and social media-based businesses must obtain DBID to operate legally, even without a traditional trade licence.

Bangladesh’s digital commerce sector has expanded rapidly since the pandemic, now comprising around 2,000 web-based businesses and more than 50,000 social media উদ্যোক্তা.

Reform call grows louder

Stakeholders warn that without simplifying the registration process, certification will continue to lag behind the sector’s rapid growth.

The latest data present a mixed picture—strong interest in formalisation, but structural challenges that are slowing the transition from application to approval.