Zannatul Hoque Shapla, CEO of Azure Cuisine and a candidate for the Board of Directors (2025–2027) of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), has pledged to ensure equal opportunities and rights for all entrepreneurs in the country’s e-commerce sector. Speaking at a discussion with ICT journalists on Wednesday evening (7 May) at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, she emphasised her longstanding commitment to the industry.
I have been actively involved in e-commerce for many years, though I did not have the opportunity to step into the spotlight until now, she stated. My goal is to ensure that every entrepreneur can operate their business with confidence, to help restore consumer trust, and to enhance the global branding of Bangladeshi e-commerce.
Highlighting the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, Shapla noted, Through my platform, Soilir Chowa, I have provided small-scale investments and training to 100 women to help them build expertise in e-commerce and f-commerce. I aim to expand this initiative further, supporting women in establishing their presence in international markets.
Zannatul Hoque Shapla outlined several key priorities for implementation: creating a safe and secure environment for entrepreneurs to conduct business, restoring consumer confidence, promoting fair competition, Modernising logistics and digital payment systems, establishing member support and capacity-building centres, launching startup funding opportunities and collaborating with the government to formulate e-commerce-friendly policies.
Shapla added, I have not come into this industry to take, but to give. With everyone’s cooperation, I intend to transform e-commerce into a transparent, reliable, and development-focused sector. If I am elected, it will not be my victory alone—it will be a victory for the entire e-commerce industry.
The upcoming e-CAB election for the 2025–2027 term will be held on 31 May. A total of 36 candidates are contesting for 11 director positions.