Freelancer ID Management Portal Set to Launch January 14

A new ‘Freelancer ID Management’ portal is set to be launched to allow freelancers to enlist themselves in the national freelancer database independently from home. The portal, named Freelancer Bangladesh, will be officially inaugurated on January 14.

The announcement was made on the night of Sunday, January 11, by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. In a post on his social media handle, he wrote that the VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) of the country’s first Freelancer ID Management site has been completed and the report has been received. He confirmed that the formal launch will take place on Tuesday.

Earlier, many freelancers—including top-rated freelancer and Upwork Bangladesh group admin Kazi Mamun—had complained that freelancers were facing difficulties in accessing banking services because they did not possess ID cards issued by what they described as a “self-styled” organization, the Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS). According to them, while updating banking information, several banks—including Standard Chartered Bangladesh Bank and BRAC Bank—had demanded a certificate known as a “freelancer ID card.” When asked about alternative verification methods, bank officials reportedly claimed that the card was mandatory.

However, when freelancers later asked for official directives from Bangladesh Bank, the banks failed to produce any such instruction and eventually admitted that possessing a freelancer ID card was not compulsory. Freelancers alleged that the card had been introduced by a vested group purely for personal gain. They argued that instead of simplifying the process of bringing remittance into the country, such unnecessary certificates were making it more complicated. A section of freelancers demanded corruption-free banking services for freelancers and called for action against such “bogus” organizations.

At a time when freelancers are also demanding easier payment gateways and the introduction of international platforms such as PayPal, the announcement of a state-backed Freelancer ID Management portal has been widely welcomed. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb has clarified that no fees will be charged for registration on the website.

Welcoming the initiative, general freelancers said the portal would make freelancer identification easier and eliminate any single-party dominance in the process, thereby increasing transparency. They noted that many banks have been waiting for such a system, as freelancers often face complications related to ID verification when opening bank accounts, applying for visas, and completing other formalities. They believe the launch of the portal will significantly reduce these hassles.