The e-commerce industry in Bangladesh is booming, with online shopping becoming increasingly popular and convenient. This rapid growth is fueled by increasing Internet and smartphone use, a young and tech-savvy population, and rising disposable incomes. As the market expands, businesses must stay ahead of the curve and understand the key trends shaping the e-commerce landscape in country in 2025.
This blog post will explore these trends, including the leading product categories, seasonal shopping patterns, and more. By understanding these, businesses can adapt their strategies and optimize their operations to capture the vast opportunities in Bangladesh’s dynamic e-commerce market.
What is E-Commerce?
But first, let’s quickly define what is meant by “e-commerce.” E-commerce, or electronic commerce, encompasses all forms of online trading, from buying clothes to booking flights. This blog post will focus on the current trends shaping business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce in Bangladesh, where businesses connect with consumers online.
Trend #1: Bangladesh e-commerce: A booming market with leading sectors
To understand the e-commerce landscape in Bangladesh, it’s essential to look at the market overview and analyze the key sectors driving its growth.
Dominant product categories
According to data from E-Commerce DB (ECBD)1, several product categories dominate the market:
- Electronics: Leading the market with 23.9% of revenue, this sector highlights a strong demand for electronic products such as smartphones, laptops, and home appliances.
- Hobby & Leisure: This sector encompasses a wide range of products related to hobbies, entertainment, and leisure activities, holding a significant 20.4% share.
- Fashion: Clothing, footwear, and accessories fall under this category, which commands an 18.9% share of the market, making it a major player.
- Furniture & Homeware: This sector accounts for 12.1% of the market, reflecting the growing demand for online furniture and home décor products.
- Care Products: Personal care and beauty products make up this sector, holding a 9.0% share.
Additionally, emerging opportunities are evident in the DIY (7.5%) sector, suggesting potential for growth in these areas. Understanding these categories can help businesses identify opportunities and tailor their strategies to meet consumer demand in Bangladesh’s dynamic e-commerce landscape.
Revenue growth and future projections
The e-commerce market in Bangladesh is not only diverse but also poised for substantial growth. In fact, it’s showing a remarkable 30.1% increase in 2025 alone, contributing significantly to the worldwide growth rate of 9.8%. Looking ahead, projections from ECBD1 indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 17.7%, leading to a projected market volume of US$15,407.3 million by 2029. This positive outlook highlights the significant potential for e-commerce businesses in Bangladesh in the future.
#Trend 2: E-Commerce adoption on the rise
The growth of e-commerce in Bangladesh is not just about revenue; it’s also about the increasing number of consumers embracing online shopping. Statistica2 reveals a promising trend of rising consumer adoption:
- User Growth: Between 2024 and 2029, the number of e-commerce users in Bangladesh is projected to increase by a remarkable 5.2 million.
- Market Penetration: By 2029, an estimated 15.92 million users will be shopping online, marking a substantial 48.28% growth.
- Revenue per User: The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is expected to be $631.60.
This increasing consumer adoption underscores the growing popularity of e-commerce in Bangladesh.
Trend #3: The growth of digital and flexible payment options
As the e-commerce market in Bangladesh matures, so do the payment preferences.
- Cash-on-Delivery (COD): The International Trade Administration3 found that COD continues to be the dominant payment method in Bangladesh, with over 90% of e-commerce users preferring this option. This preference stems from a desire to ensure product quality and avoid potential online payment risks.
- Credit Cards: Credit card transactions are also gaining traction, supported by merchant accounts on various e-commerce platforms. This provides a convenient and secure payment option for consumers who prefer cashless transactions.
- Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL): BNPL is a rising trend in Bangladesh, offering consumers the flexibility to purchase products and pay in installments. Globe Newswire4 reports that BNPL payments are projected to grow by 17.1% annually, reaching $1.02 billion in 2024
Trend #4: Festive shopping in Bangladesh: Cash-on-delivery still reigns
Festive seasons in Bangladesh drive a surge in online shopping, with consumers eagerly taking advantage of deals and promotions. However, a key trend persists: the strong preference for cash-on-delivery (COD) payment. This highlights a unique characteristic of the Bangladeshi market, where trust and security remain paramount in online transactions.
Impact of Muslim holidays
According to the International Trade Administration3 , major holidays like Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, and Eid ul-Adha bring a significant surge in online spending in Bangladesh. E-commerce businesses often capitalize on this trend by launching seasonal promotions, special offers, and targeted campaigns that tap into the festive spirit and drive consumer interest. This highlights the importance of understanding cultural and religious events and their impact on consumer behavior.
Trust in delivery models
Cash-on-delivery remains a popular payment option in Bangladesh due to concerns about product quality and online payment security, emphasising the importance of transparent return and refund policies. This helps assure customers, strengthening their confidence in online shopping and the reliability of the e-commerce platform.
Trend #5: Increased prominence of the global mobile app market
Mobile apps are playing an increasingly crucial role in driving Bangladesh’s e-commerce growth. The convenience and accessibility they offer have transformed the way consumers shop, making it essential for businesses to adapt and leverage this trend.
The global mobile app market is booming, valued at $228.98 billion in 2023, according to The Daily Star5. This growth is particularly prominent in the Asia-Pacific region, with Bangladesh leading the charge in app revenue. This surge is fueled by increasing smartphone penetration and a growing preference for mobile-first experiences.
This trend is reflected in the success of various mobile apps in Bangladesh, including a leading electronics app with 1.1 million active users and 55% of orders placed through the app. Additionally, the rise of popular book-selling and grocery delivery apps demonstrates the expanding reach of mobile commerce into diverse sectors, highlighting its growing popularity for everyday needs.
