E-commerce, Education, House Rentals, Internet Brought under Proposed Law

Bangladesh is set to overhaul its 17-year-old consumer protection regime, bringing a vast range of modern businesses and services�"from e-commerce and social-media shops to educational institutions, house rentals and internet providers�"under tighter regulatory scrutiny.

The government has prepared a draft of the Consumer Rights Protection (Amendment) Act, 2026, proposing tougher penalties for violations and significantly expanding the powers of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP).

The proposed legislation comes as the nature of commerce and consumer transactions has changed dramatically since the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009 was enacted, particularly with the explosive growth of digital businesses and online marketplaces.

Under the draft, digital commerce businesses would have to register with the DNCRP before commencing operations. Websites and businesses operating through social media platforms to sell goods, medicines or services would also be required to meet prescribed registration and renewal requirements.

The DNCRP would be empowered to suspend or cancel registrations where specified offences are established. It would also be able to obtain information on e-commerce transactions from payment gateway operators and mobile financial service providers through Bangladesh Bank.

The proposed law seeks to strike harder at online fraud and other abuses. An e-commerce company, digital platform, seller or marketplace that advertises prohibited goods, medicines or services, or organises, facilitates or assists online gambling or betting, could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to Tk3 lakh, or both.

The regulatory net would extend far beyond conventional retail businesses. Consumer protection provisions would cover education, tailoring, salons and beauty care, tours and travel, courier services, house rentals, laundry, internet services, repair services, catering, event management, marriage media, interior design, recruiting agencies and consultancy services.

The draft also gives the DNCRP a broader mandate to tackle deceptive commercial practices. It would be authorised to monitor misleading advertisements and false information used to deceive consumers, as well as inspect, monitor and investigate industrial and commercial establishments.

Businesses would be legally required to cooperate with such investigations.

The government is also proposing tougher action against hoarding of goods and medicines to create artificial shortages. Individuals or organisations found guilty could face up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk5 lakh, or both.

Several existing penalties would also be substantially increased. An offence currently carrying a maximum fine of Tk50,000 could attract a fine of up to Tk2 lakh, together with imprisonment of up to one year, or both, under the proposed amendments.

Digital businesses that fail to deliver goods or services promised to customers, or operate without displaying a Digital Business Identification (DBID), could face similar penalties.

The draft also proposes controls on digital gift cards, digital wallets and cash vouchers, restricting their use without approval from Bangladesh Bank.

DNCRP Director General Md Zahirul Islam said the proposed amendments were aimed at bringing the consumer protection framework in line with the rapidly changing business environment.

“The scope of the law is being expanded, while penalties are also being increased in some cases. A provision is also being added to allow aggrieved persons to appeal,” he said.

Consumer rights organisation Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) welcomed the initiative, saying the existing law was drafted at a time when digital commerce was still in its infancy.

CAB central committee Vice-President S M Nazer Hossain said the rapid expansion of online businesses had exposed significant gaps in the 2009 law.

“Online businesses have expanded rapidly, making it necessary to modernise the existing law. We have been demanding amendments for a long time and welcome the initiative,” he said.

An inter-ministerial meeting has already reviewed the draft. Following further consultations, the proposed legislation is expected to be published for public opinion before being sent to the Law Ministry for vetting.

It will subsequently be placed before the Cabinet for final approval.

The proposed overhaul would mark a major shift in Bangladesh's consumer protection regime, moving it beyond traditional markets and into the increasingly complex world of digital commerce, services and platform-based businesses.