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.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
