Amazon has NOT Launched Retail Operations in Bangladesh

In September 2025, a photo of a storefront in Dhaka’s Uttara area labeled “amazon.bd” spread on social media with captions claiming that Amazon had launched local e-commerce in Bangladesh, complete with a country website and deliveries. However, we found that the claim is false.

Social Media Posts

Multiple social media users have shared a post of Amazon store with the signage “Amazon.bd”, along with the claim that Amazon is launching in Bangladesh.

Source | Archive

Source | Archive

Fact Check

The photograph shows signage for “amazon.bd.” Bangladesh is not among Amazon’s listed consumer marketplaces, and Amazon does not advertise or maintain a retail domain for Bangladesh in marketplace rosters that enumerate live country sites such as India (amazon.in), Singapore (amazon.sg), and Australia (amazon.com.au). The absence of Bangladesh from those country storefront lists is a strong indicator that the signage is not connected to an official launch. (Source)

The domain name format appears inconsistent with standard naming conventions. In Bangladesh, the country’s domain registry (operated by BTCL) doesn’t typically allow direct “example.bd” style website addresses. Instead, websites generally use a three-part structure like “example.com.bd” or “example.net.bd.” This pattern is clearly documented in BTCL’s registry guidelines. Therefore, a website simply called “amazon.bd” would not follow Bangladesh’s standard domain registration practice and would require special permission with official records that should be traceable. (Source)

When Amazon officially enters a new country market, it follows a clear pattern: building physical infrastructure like warehouses, setting up delivery networks, and creating local customer service teams. We see these elements in established markets like India (since 2013), Singapore, and Australia. In Bangladesh’s case, we found no evidence of these essential components. The store in the Uttara photo (with its closed shutters and lack of visible activity) simply doesn’t match Amazon’s typical market entry approach.

It’s important to understand that while Bangladeshi business owners can sign up as sellers on Amazon’s global platforms (like U.S., U.K., EU marketplaces) if they meet verification requirements, this is entirely different from having a dedicated Amazon marketplace for Bangladesh. Amazon’s official documentation clearly lists all countries where it operates consumer-facing marketplaces, and Bangladesh is not included on this list.

Amazon’s Actual Activities in Bangladesh

In May 2021, Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue granted Business Identification Numbers (BINs) to Google and Amazon (AWS), enabling them to collect and remit the standard 15% VAT on revenue derived from services in Bangladesh. This was the first time such non-resident tech firms obtained BINs in Bangladesh. Crucially, that registration concerns tax compliance for electronic services, not a retail e-commerce launch. Local press and subsequent central-bank circulars described the VAT reporting mechanics for non-resident entities such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon.

Amazon has also discussed bonded-warehouse options in Bangladesh. On May 29, 2024, the State Minister for Commerce, Ahasanul Islam Titu, said Amazon wanted central bonded warehouse facilities in Bangladesh to improve global sourcing and transshipment efficiency. That statement reflects supply-chain positioning, not a domestic retail roll-out for Bangladeshi shoppers; no subsequent announcement converted these talks into a country marketplace launch.

Bangladesh’s policy environment would allow a future launch, since June 2020, the government removed the cap that once required joint ventures and now permits 100% foreign-owned e-commerce operations. That legal possibility does not mean Amazon has launched; it simply means the door is open if and when Amazon chooses to enter.

Evidence Missing from an Authentic Launch

A genuine Amazon country launch leaves multiple, verifiable traces. As of September 2025, Bangladesh shows none of these essential markers:

First, there is no official country storefront/domain operated by Amazon. Bangladesh is absent from marketplace rosters, and there’s no “amazon.com.bd” or equivalent among Amazon-controlled country domains.

Second, there are no public launch communications, no Amazon press release or government announcement about consumer operations, local delivery, or marketplace activation.

Third, there is no fulfillment and CS stack, no evidence of Amazon fulfillment centers, last-mile delivery partners, or localized customer service operations for Bangladesh.

(Source: The Business Standard, The Daily Star, Trade.gov)

Probable unauthorized branding

Bangladesh’s domain and brand environment has long seen look-alike domains and storefronts that mimic global platforms. Local reporting has even documented widespread third-level .com.bd registrations using famous names. Against that backdrop, a signboard reading “amazon.bd” without any corresponding official domain, filings, or infrastructure strongly suggests brand misuse or a non-Amazon local business trading on the name. Amazon’s global brand-protection reports and policies show persistent enforcement against unauthorized usage worldwide; Bangladesh is not an exception to such risks. (Source)

Moreover, Local outlet Business Inspection BD clarified that the Uttara location circulating on social media is not “Amazon.com.bd” or a local e-commerce launch, but a sourcing/corporate office, consistent with earlier reporting that Amazon has long explored product sourcing and bonded-warehouse options in Bangladesh.

Amazon Actual Stores in Asia

Amazon has clear patterns when establishing local operations. In India, Amazon maintains “Amazon Easy” partner stores, “Digital Kendra” resource centers for small businesses, and an “I Have Space” delivery network through local shops, creating a documented physical presence. (Source)

Amazon Easy Store in India

In Singapore, Amazon runs Amazon.sg with Amazon Fresh grocery delivery and official pickup locations integrated into their checkout system. Bangladesh lacks these hallmarks of Amazon’s presence, no official website, no documented delivery network, and no standardized store formats, strongly suggesting the “amazon.bd” storefront is unauthorized. (Source)

Conclusion

Upon our investigation, the claim that Amazon store will be launched in Bangladesh is false. The storefront photo with “amazon.bd” signage doesn’t match how Amazon typically names its websites. We found no official paperwork, announcements, or infrastructure that would normally accompany a real Amazon launch. While Amazon has registered for tax purposes in Bangladesh and shown interest in warehouse facilities, these steps are very different from opening a consumer shopping service for Bangladeshi customers.