Freelancers demand PayPal, Wise, and Stripe services to boost IT sector

Staff Reporter Published: 29 April 2025, 04:38 PM
Freelancers demand PayPal, Wise, and Stripe services to boost IT sector
Bangladesh Freelancer and IT Professional Community holds a press conference at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday.– Jago News Photo

 

Freelancers and IT professionals in Bangladesh have called for the introduction of international payment gateways PayPal, Wise, and Stripe, citing major barriers in working with global clients due to the absence of these services.

The demand was raised at a press conference held by the 'Bangladesh Freelancer and IT Professional Community' at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday, April 29.

The conference highlighted that Bangladesh has over one million active freelancers and IT entrepreneurs who significantly contribute to the economy through foreign currency remittances.

However, the lack of access to PayPal, Wise, and Stripe has hindered their ability to seamlessly transact with international clients.

Speakers noted that despite the global rise in remote work opportunities, Bangladeshi freelancers are falling behind due to these payment challenges.

The group urged the government and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to enable these payment services, emphasising their critical role in unlocking the country’s economic potential and advancing the IT sector.

They announced plans to submit a memorandum to the office of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, reinforcing the urgent need for international payment systems.

Freelancers and IT professionals present included Emrajina Islam, Abdullah Al Mamun, HM Osman Shakil, Golam Kamruzzaman, Atiqur Rahman, Sumon Saha, Minhajul Asif, Russell Khandaker, Sajid Islam, and others.