Mir Snigdha's Open Letter Urges PayPal Launch in Bangladesh
Mir Snigdha, former CEO of the July Shahid Memorial Foundation and twin brother of Mir Mugdho—who was martyred during the anti-discrimination student movement—has written an open letter calling for the introduction of international PayPal services in Bangladesh.
On Tuesday night, Mir Snigdha shared the letter in a Facebook post, tagging Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for ICT Affairs, and Mahfuz Alam, Adviser on Information Affairs.
In the letter, he wrote, “Since 2019, I have been working on various international freelancing marketplaces and was recognized as a Top Rated Freelancer in 2022. Many are aware of my career and the achievements of freelancers like the martyred Mugdho.”
He added, “Though I initially started freelancing during the COVID-19 pandemic to pass the time, over time it evolved into my main profession. Freelancing has now opened up significant possibilities for young people, offering them the opportunity to work in the global market from home.”
Snigdha further stated, “Currently, there are thousands of skilled freelancers in Bangladesh who contribute crores of taka in remittance to the national economy every year. But due to the absence of the international payment gateway 'PayPal,' these freelancers face a fundamental challenge. We lose many international projects solely because of this issue.”
He continued, “Even when clients and companies outside of the marketplace want to hire us, we are unable to take those opportunities due to the lack of PayPal. While working through marketplaces, we are also forced to pay high commissions, which is harmful both to freelancers and the economic prospects of the country. It is deeply unfortunate that while neighboring countries enjoy normal use of PayPal, a digitally promising economy like Bangladesh still lacks access to the service.”
“Just think,” Snigdha said, “if a client wants to hire me on a contract for $1,200 per month, I am unable to accept the job only because of the absence of PayPal. This is not only my personal loss but also a loss for the country.”
In the letter, he also wrote, “Through this letter, I want to draw the attention of the Hon’ble Adviser of the ICT Division, Mr. Mahfuz Alam, and the Hon’ble Special Assistant Mr. Faiz Taiyeb Ahmad. I believe that if you are made aware of this problem, you will take appropriate action. As a freelancer, I have been contributing to the country’s digital advancement to the best of my ability. Today, after working for so long, I am making a request for the first time—please take the initiative to launch PayPal services in Bangladesh.”
He concluded, “If freelancers like me can be of any help in implementing this initiative—I am always ready. I am eager to be involved in any capacity to work on this issue. For those of us who quietly serve the country through this profession, this would be the greatest achievement. If this demand is fulfilled, it will not only shape the future of thousands of young freelancers like Mugdho but also unlock a new chapter of economic potential for the nation.”
