LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

July 04, 2025 00:00:00

With Bangladesh stepping into the new digital era, there is one question that should be considered in more details: is it possible that e-commerce will act as a game-changer for rural entrepreneurs?

The rising popularity of platforms such as Daraz, Facebook Marketplace, and local delivery startups has certainly made it easier to run a business without maintaining a physical retail space. For many rural artisans, farmers, and small producers, e-commerce presents a valuable opportunity to access larger markets, bypass traditional middlemen and avoid the high costs of doing business in cities.

Yet, despite the potential, true success remains elusive for many. The challenges faced by rural business owners are substantial: limited digital literacy, poor internet connectivity, complicated payment systems, and logistical hurdles. Promises of digital empowerment often hit a brick wall when confronted with these real-world constraints.

So where does the solution lie? Unlocking the potential of rural areas requires targeted interventions-digital literacy training, mobile-friendly e-commerce platforms in Bangla, access to micro-loans for inventory and logistics, and government-backed incentives for tech companies to expand into underserved regions.

E-commerce holds the promise of connecting rural talent with national demand-but this promise remains only a possibility unless the bridge is built with purpose, support, and inclusion.

Moumita Paul Chowdhury

BBA (Marketing)

North South University

[email protected]