Bangladesh is preparing to join the global PayPal network next month, a move expected to significantly enhance the country’s ICT outsourcing potential and digital economy. Once operational, local freelancers and IT companies will be able to receive international payments through PayPal—the world’s most widely used online payment system.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith announced the development following a budget consultation meeting, confirming that PayPal may launch operations in Bangladesh by May. A PayPal delegation is expected to visit Dhaka soon to finalize technical arrangements for the launch.
The initiative follows persistent efforts by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS). In 2012, a BASIS delegation visited PayPal’s California headquarters to advocate for the company’s entry into Bangladesh. BASIS President Fahim Mashroor emphasized that the launch would accelerate the country’s growing outsourcing industry, noting that Bangladesh now ranks third globally in popular online marketplaces.
He highlighted that around 30% of Bangladeshi freelancers specialize in search engine optimization (SEO), 12% in data entry, 8% in software development, and 6% in web research, with the majority aged between 25 and 35 years and holding university degrees.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman noted the growing shift toward digital transactions, with 4.6 million debit or credit card users and over three million mobile banking accounts nationwide. He stressed that such platforms are helping make transactions faster and safer.
Abul Kashem Md Shirin of Dutch-Bangla Bank added that local banks are playing a key role as intermediaries for internet transactions, while SSLCommerz CEO Sayeeful Islam underscored the need for a clear roadmap and role-map to popularize e-commerce in Bangladesh.
