The e-commerce policy does not specify what can or cannot be sold. This is enabling many e-commerce organizations to sell sexual performance-enhancing tablets. In addition to libido increasing tablets, other unauthorized items can also be sold through these platforms.
There has to be a clear cut guideline as to what can be offered. Recently, two e-commerce market places, Daraz.com and e-valley have been accused of selling sex enhancing pills.
Post and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar, said: “The issue has to be looked after by the ministry of commerce. Our task is to formulate policies.”
The General Secretary of E-commerce Association of Bangladesh Md. Abdul Wahab, said: “Many online platforms abuse the absence of laws which is unethical.”
Chief executive of an e-commerce platform, e-valley, Mohammad Rasel, added: “We do not sell such items; we have 8500 items and if such products are noticed then the seller is asked to refrain from dealing in those items.”
He also said that he would be more careful about this in future and train his staff.
Chief executive of Ajker Deal Fahim Mashrur, observed: “There has to be a social norm regarding business. If that is followed then such items won’t be sold through online platforms.”
After being accused of selling sex enhancing tablets, Daraz.com sent a statement: “If the correct information is provided then sex enhancing tablets won’t be sold from the platform but some have posted items deceptively which may sideline our monitoring systems.”
The statement added that if Daraz wanted to expand its pharmaceutical business, it would do so after taking a licence.