Economy
‘Foodpanda’ scamming both Restaurants & Customers
Foodpanda which is known to be one of the online food delivery company in Bangladesh that has been accused of rigging weight and rates. Less than half of the food ordered by the customer is delivered to the customer. At the same time, the company charged more money than what was shown in the app. Foodpanda also takes more than 40 percent commission from the food delivery company.
Just recent, a customer named Muhibullah Muhib uploaded a video on social media highlighting the irregularities of Foodpanda. In the video, he said that he ordered 500 grams of Beef Shahi Halim from Foodpanda. In contrast, he received 200 grams of Halim. At the time of order, the price of 500 grams of halim was shown as Tk 252, but Tk 280 was collected. Similarly, the price of Moghlai was shown as 90 taka and collected at 100 taka.
Food was provided to Muhibullah Muhib from Abesh Hotel and Biryani House in Mirpur. Muhib said that when he contacted the hotel, they confirmed that the box sent from the hotel weighed 250 grams.
Director of Abesh Hotel Suman Mia told Orthosongbad that, I was not in the shop when the order was delivered. My staff mistakenly delivered 250 grams of halim. Later we sent 500 grams of halim again
He further said, we pay 40 to 42 percent commission on the food that Foodpanda buys from us.
Meanwhile, Halim (500 grams) which Foodpanda has billed at Tk 280, is sold at Abesh Hotel for Tk 200. And the Moghlai billed at 100 taka is being sold at 70 taka. Again, the company is collecting delivery and service charges separately with this bill.
The victim Muhib Ullah also told Orthosongbad a that Halim was sent again from the hotel. Sending is not necessarily needed. They are completely cheating. Foodpanda is also doing it. Foodpanda’s responsibility is to deliver the product as per the order. But actually does not see what is inside or not. Just goes through. They (foodpanda) don’t even want to hear anything.
He said Abesh Hotel often does this. The issue is catching on because I’m measuring.
Asked about the complaint, Foodpanda Bangladesh CEO Ambareen Reza said, Foodpanda is a global company. We have certain policies, which have to be maintained. We have a PR firm for these issues. Better to call the PR head. PR section from any media will take action on the complaint.
However, the Foodpanda CEO could not immediately provide the contact number of the PR firm.
Complaints against Foodpanda is a common thing. There have already been complaints against the institution of missing food, giving less or giving another food instead of one. The media has also published news about these issues at various times.
In 2021, a YouTube channel and Facebook page called Petuk Couple complained through a video that they ordered Khichuri and Kachi rice from Foodpanda and got Kachi rice and roast. A voucher of Tk 53 is given from the Foodpanda helpline when a complaint is made as to why roast was served instead of khichuri. asking for khichuri instead of voucher, no solution was given even after spending almost three hours on chatting helpline.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
