E-commerce card transactions jump 28.8pc YoY in Aug

The use of cards in e-commerce transactions in Bangladesh rose 28.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in August 2025, reflecting growing consumer preference for online shopping, according to Bangladesh Bank (BB) data.

Transactions surged to Tk 21.93 billion in August 2025 from Tk 17.02 billion in the same month of 2024. Online payments via cards also increased 9.0 per cent compared to July 2025, when such transactions stood at Tk 20.12 billion.

This growth reflects a shift in consumer behaviour, with more people opting for online purchases due to convenience, competitive pricing, and time savings.

However, card payments had declined in July 2025, falling 11.9 per cent month-on-month from Tk 22.84 billion in June. BB data also showed that e-commerce transactions through cards reached Tk 20.35 billion in February 2025 and Tk 23.05 billion in January 2025.

The highest monthly transaction volume since December 2018 was recorded in March 2025 at Tk 23.66 billion, followed by Tk 23.65 billion in May, according to central bank figures.

Stakeholders expect further growth in both volume and number of transactions, especially considering the recent boom in the e-commerce sector despite a string of scams.

Bangladesh has emerged as a promising market for global e-commerce giants, driven by its thriving online shopping community, large youthful population, and widespread internet access.

A recent study highlighted the country's potential for substantial growth, noting a consistent 10-percent quarterly growth in e-commerce transactions in recent years.

The UNCTAD B2C E-Commerce Index 2016 also revealed that Bangladesh ranks among the top 10 economies in terms of the gap between predicted and actual share of internet users making online purchases, underscoring its growing significance in the global e-commerce landscape.

Dr Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said the continued rise in e-commerce transactions indicates an expanding digital economy and growing consumer preference for online platforms.

"The strong year-on-year growth reflects how digital payments are increasingly becoming part of daily life in the country," he noted.

Dr Reaz added that sustained investment in cybersecurity, digital literacy, consumer protection, delivery logistics, and payment infrastructure will be crucial to maintaining this momentum.

He also emphasised the need for greater collaboration between banks, fintech firms, and regulators to ensure smooth interoperability and safeguard consumer trust.

"If these enablers are strengthened," he said, "Bangladesh could emerge as a leading digital commerce hub in South Asia within the next few years."

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