Bangladesh has witnessed a remarkable growth in online business and e-commerce business sectors over the past decade. With a population more than 160 million, the country’s digital transformation is paving the way for significant economic opportunities. In this article we will discuss the current state of internet usage, the burgeoning e-commerce landscape, and present a case study highlighting successful e-commerce development and management.

Current State of Internet Usage in Bangladesh

As of 2025, there is approximately 133.2 million internet users in Bangladesh, marking an 8.5% increase from the previous year.(Statista) This rapid growth is attributed to several factors:

Affordable Smartphones: The widespread availability of low-cost smartphones has made internet access more available for the masses.
Expansion of Mobile Networks: Telecom operators have extended their services to rural areas, ensuring broader internet coverage.
Government Initiatives: Programs focused on improving digital skills and infrastructure have helped more people access the internet.
Growing Social Media Engagement: Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are driving more people to engage in online activities, such as shopping and marketing.

Google Search Trends and Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior in Bangladesh has shifted with the digital age. Notably, 85% of internet users research products on Google before buying.(SalesLion)

Internet Users

This highlights the need for businesses to have a strong online presence. Key strategies include:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Improving website content to rank higher in search results and attract more potential customers.
Content Marketing: Providing valuable information to guide consumers through their purchasing journey.
Google Ads: Leveraging paid advertising to reach customers actively searching for products.

Facebook's Influence on E-Commerce

Facebook remains a leading platform in Bangladesh, with 67.18 million active users in 2025. In early 2024, Facebook had 52.90 million users in Bangladesh. These numbers show a notable rise of around 14.28 million Facebook users in the past year, emphasizing the platform’s growing impact on Bangladesh’s digital scene.(napoleoncat.com) Facebook plays a vital role in e-commerce in several ways:

Marketplace: Facilitates direct buying and selling among users.
Advertising: Businesses leverage Facebook Ads to target specific demographics, interests and behaviors, increasing brand visibility.
Community Building: Brands engage with customers through pages and groups, fostering loyalty and trust.
Live Commerce: Many small businesses use Facebook Live to showcase products and drive instant sales.

Rising Interest in Online Shopping

As of 2024, approximately 10.74 million individuals in Bangladesh have made at least one online purchase. This number is projected to grow by 48.28%, reaching around 15.92 million users by 2029.(statista.com)

Factors contributing to this trend include:

Convenience: Shoppers can buy anytime, anywhere.
Variety: Online stores offer more products than physical shops.
Competitive Pricing: Discounts and deals attract budget-conscious buyers.
Cash on Delivery (COD): Encourages first-time buyers to shop with confidence.

Challenges in the E-Commerce Market

Despite the rapid growth, there are several challenges that businesses face in the Bangladeshi e-commerce industry:

Logistics & Delivery Delays: Ensuring timely and efficient delivery remains a significant challenge.
Consumer Trust Issues: Many customers hesitate to make online payments due to concerns about fraud.
Market Competition: The increasing number of online businesses makes it difficult to stand out.
Technical Limitations: Many small businesses struggle with setting up user-friendly and secure online platforms.

Case Study: Complete E-Commerce Development and Management

To illustrate the potential of e-commerce in Bangladesh, let’s explore a case study from Markimist, a leading digital solutions provider.

Client Overview

A local fashion retailer wanted to expand beyond physical stores and enter the online market. The goal was to build a user-friendly e-commerce platform for a smooth shopping experience.

Challenges

Brand Identity: Establishing a unique online presence in a saturated market.
User Experience: Designing an intuitive interface to enhance customer satisfaction.
Digital Marketing: Implementing strategies to drive traffic and conversions.
Inventory Management: Ensuring stock availability and real-time tracking.

Solutions Implemented

Website Development: Created a responsive e-commerce site with user-friendly navigation, secure payment gateways, and efficient inventory management.
Branding: Developed a cohesive brand strategy, including logo design and consistent visual elements, to differentiate the retailer from competitors.
Digital Marketing: Executed targeted campaigns utilizing SEO, social media marketing, and email newsletters to engage potential customers.
Facebook & Google Ads: Launched paid campaigns to generate leads and increase sales.
Customer Support System: Integrated a chatbot and live chat feature to improve customer service.

Results

Increased Traffic: The website experienced a 200% increase in visitors within the first three months.
Sales Growth: Online sales became a significant revenue stream, complementing in-store purchases.
Brand Recognition: Increased online presence boosted brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Future Outlook for Digital Marketing and E-Commerce in Bangladesh

The industry is set for continued growth, with key developments expected by 2025:

E-Commerce Market Expansion: Growth will accelerate with better internet access and rising consumer trust in online shopping.
Technological Advancements: AI-driven recommendations, mobile payments, and AR shopping will enhance the experience.
Regulatory Support: Favorable government policies will create a business-friendly digital ecosystem.
Emerging Online Payment Systems: Wider use of bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and cards will boost secure digital transactions.

Best Practices for E-Commerce Success in Bangladesh

For businesses looking to thrive in Bangladesh’s e-commerce industry, here are some essential best practices:

Optimize Website for Mobile Users: The majority of online shoppers use mobile devices.
Leverage SEO & Paid Ads: A mix of organic SEO strategies and PPC ads ensures higher traffic and conversion rates.
Offer Multiple Payment Methods: Providing bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and card payments boosts consumer trust.
Enhance Customer Support: Quick response times via live chat, email, and phone support can enhance customer satisfaction.
Use Data Analytics: Tracking user behavior and sales patterns can help businesses optimize their strategies.
Run Social Media Campaigns: Engaging content, influencer partnerships, and video marketing improve audience reach and brand recognition.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s online business and e-commerce business landscape is expanding rapidly. By utilizing Facebook Ads, Google Search Marketing, and SEO strategies, businesses can achieve long-term success. The success story highlighted in the case study exemplifies the potential rewards of such endeavors.

With the right planning and effective digital marketing, anyone can build and grow a successful e-commerce business. As Bangladesh continues its digital journey, technology and commerce will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping its economic future.