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Uber, a US-based ridesharing service, contributed approximately Tk 45 billion to Bangladesh's economy alone in 2021, according to a survey by the company.
The survey showed that the company has been thriving in the country, as the users consider its service safe, comfortable, time-saving and a convenient alternative to the existing public transport system.
The findings of the survey - "Bangladesh Economic Impact Report 2021" - conducted by Public First, a UK-based policy research firm, was unveiled at an event at a city hotel on Sunday.
Salman F Rahman, the prime minister's advisor for private industry and investment, addressed the event as the chief guest.
Senior Secretary of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division N M Zeaul Alam, Uber Senior Director (Public Policy and Government Relations - Asia-Pacific) Mike Orgill, Uber South Asia Director (Regional Operations) Shiva Shailendran, Public First Partner Jonathan Dupont, and Head of Uber Bangladesh and East India Armanur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.
The advisor in his speech said Bangladesh's economy has been growing fast due to political stability, able leadership of the government, and technological modernisation.
Referring to the country's weak public transportation scenario, he said technology-based companies like Uber has revolutionised the transportation sector - not only in Bangladesh but also in other countries of the world.
Appreciating Uber's contribution to the country's economy, he hoped for a healthy competition among similar companies in the country.
The ICT Division senior secretary said tech-based services like Uber have eased the life of people in the country by saving their time during rush hours.
At the same time, such companies have created huge work opportunities for the country's youths too, he added. In a presentation, Mr Dupont said apart from generating Tk 45 billion for Bangladesh's economy, Uber has saved some 17 million work-hours of its people.
Uber's contribution to the country includes the impact of earnings of Uber-facilitated driver-partners and the wider indirect and induced multiplier effect created throughout the company's wider supply chain.
Terming safety one of the key reasons behind Uber's success here, he noted that nearly 96 per cent of the female riders consider safety as an important factor in choosing to use Uber.
Besides, some 73 per cent of the driver-partners expressed satisfaction with Uber in 2021. It helped them earn an additional Tk 522 million or an average of 26 per cent more than their next best alternative source of income, he mentioned.
Commenting on the report, Mr Orgill said, "Uber has been an important engine of economic growth and opportunity in Bangladesh since 2016, but we never knew the extent of our contribution."
This research shows for the first time the impact on drivers, riders and the economy as a whole, he added.
Uber was launched in Dhaka in November 2016 with car sharing service, which was later expanded to motorbike sharing, CNG and intercity car services. Currently, Uber is operating in 20 major cities and towns in the country.