Freelancer ID Framework Launched to Foster Transparency and Trust
Bangladesh has launched its first government-backed Freelancer ID Management Portal to establish a transparent, secure, and harassment-free verification system for the country’s freelancers. The portal was inaugurated on January 13 at the ICT Division’s conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka. Following the launch, the application of a freelancer—present at the event as a web developer—for a three-year validity ID card was approved on the spot.
Who will be eligible for the ID?
Freelancer ID cards will be issued based on verified earnings from recognized platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. Entry-level freelancers will need to provide proof of at least USD 50 in foreign income over the past 12 months. For “challengers,” the required annual income ranges from USD 50 to USD 5,000, while “freelancer leaders” must show earnings exceeding USD 5,000 annually.
Upon submitting all required documents online, applicants will receive online verification and a barcode-enabled, printable ID card without leaving their homes.
What benefits will freelancers receive?
Registered freelancers will be able to more easily access banking services, loans, credit cards, financial incentives, and various government and private-sector training opportunities through the new Freelancer ID card. The platform will also function as a national freelancer database, storing information on the number of freelancers, their skills, and work categories—data expected to support future policymaking.
Additionally, registering with the same marketplace email may unlock further benefits in the future. While the existing 4 percent cash incentive on remittances earned through freelancing is not currently applicable, the process of receiving the 2.5 percent incentive is expected to become easier.
Fully free process, no fees involved
At the inauguration ceremony, officials said that, taking into account past experiences—particularly allegations of harassment and financial fraud—the entire process has been kept completely free. Application fees, renewal fees, processing fees, and all related financial transactions have been abolished to eliminate harassment. Authorities are also issuing notices to shut down all other “fake websites” claiming to offer similar services.
Technical support and verification
It was disclosed that 29 engineers from the Department of Information Technology will serve as a resource pool for ID verification. Four support experts will provide technical assistance as shared resources for freelancers. An API-based verification system is set to be launched soon.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said that a two-tier API verification framework has already been agreed upon in consultation with the freelancer community.
Official statements
In his address as chair of the event, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb also said that the site’s Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) has been successfully completed. From the day of inauguration, freelancers can sign up and apply for the ID.
To improve user experience for a large number of freelancers, community leaders and the Bangladesh Call Center Association (BACCO) will work jointly. The ICT Division will send a formal letter to Bangladesh Bank requesting that banks and financial institutions accept the digital Freelancer ID in place of manual IDs. He added that previous contracts were cancelled following allegations of fraud and harassment, and that freelancer community leaders have positively accepted the USD 50 annual income margin under recognized payment methods. Engineers from the ICT Division who developed the software will also be responsible for its maintenance.
ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury said the initiative would simplify identity verification for freelancers, reduce banking and visa-related complications, and make the country’s freelancing sector more transparent and dynamic.
When asked about action regarding freelancers who were previously defrauded after paying money, Director General of the Department of Information Technology Md Abu Sayeed said that appropriate measures would be taken under existing laws if formal complaints are lodged.
Stakeholder participation
The stakeholder meeting was attended by ICT Division Additional Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, BACCO President Tanvir Ibrahim, representatives from mobile financial services, Bangladesh Bank, the Upwork Bangladesh group, freelancers, and officials of the department. Although cryptocurrency was discussed at the meeting, participants noted that quick outcomes are unlikely. Progress on the PayPal issue was also mentioned, but officials said it would take some more time before operations begin.
DBTech/IH/MUM/OR
