ABSTRACT
Although Bangladeshi people were introduced to the Internet in 1993 and urban people are using 4G technology, the vast majority of the population lives in rural areas and do not have access to the Internet to buy products online. Ek-shop (One-Stop Shop) is an initiative of the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Government of Bangladesh that offers a one-stop shopping solution, creating a digital platform primarily for rural people. Ek-shop e-business is a unique business model whereby orders are placed by Union Digital Centers for rural people. Small and medium businesses have flourished in delivering goods and services through Ek-shops logistic partners. This chapter explains how the Ek-shop system and logistic providers play an important role in providing online services. This Ek-shop-based e-commerce platform has created new business enterprises, facilitated a rural–urban supply chain value network and generated employment and income-generating activities. This chapter discusses how the logistic providers and Ek-shops work in partnership and deliver services to people living in rural areas.
