1. Let’s start with a brief introduction about yourself and your career journey leading you as the Country Head of Uber Bangladesh.
Born to parents in the teaching profession, higher education was deeply instilled in me from a young age. I had the privilege of attending Dhaka’s most prestigious institutions, Sunbeams for secondary schooling and Scholastica for my O and A’levels, both known for their academic excellence. These foundational experiences shaped my aspirations and commitment to success. Following this, I pursued my higher studies in Canada. I chose to return home to Bangladesh to be with my family and contribute to my country.
My career began in 2005 as a Senior Executive, Research & MIS within the Marketing department at Robi Axiata Limited (formerly known as Aktel). The telecom industry in Bangladesh was riding a wave of innovation, revolutionizing communication with technological innovations across the nation. This journey, mentored by remarkable industry leaders greatly inspired me to build my career within the technology space. After a long eventful 8 years working across the Marketing domain, I transitioned to Airtel Bangladesh, the fastest growing telecom operator at that time, overseeing its customer growth portfolio under Usage & Retention. In 2016, I had the opportunity to return to Robi Axiata Limited, the 2nd largest operator then, where I finished my term as a General Manager, within Customer Lifecycle Management unit under Market Operations.
Earlier this year, I joined Uber to head the team in Bangladesh. I’m thrilled to be a part of a company that has revolutionized transportation, driving innovation and technology to transform the way we move. Uber is at the forefront of this exciting change, and I’m eager to explore new avenues for growth and continue shaping the future of mobility in Bangladesh.
2. Shed some light on Uber’s operations in Bangladesh and the challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered while leading Uber in Bangladesh.
We started our journey in Bangladesh in 2016 and since then we have built a strong business with a wide range of products to suit different use cases such as rental, CNG, intercity, connect, Moto, etc. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, affordable and convenient transport for everyone, everywhere with a tap of a button. We are just getting started in Bangladesh and are very bullish on this market because we see a high growth potential here. The ridesharing industry is still expanding in Bangladesh and the opportunities in a market like ours are immense. As smartphones and mobile data become cheaper and digitization of products and services penetrates tier two and three markets, we will see an increasing demand from these regions. This includes a growing need for flexible work, which has led us to create livelihood opportunities for over 300,000 people in Dhaka and beyond. However, challenges persist, especially with offline trips. These trips lack GPS tracking and access to safety features in the Uber app, posing risks to both riders and drivers. Despite this, we remain committed to creating livelihood opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people. The ridesharing industry can play a critical role in fulfilling the vision for Smart Bangladesh.
3. How has Uber adapted to the unique needs and demands of the Bangladesh market, and what strategies have you implemented to ensure success?
Every market is unique with its own set of challenges and requirements, but the strategy that works for us in every market is that our consumers get a magical experience. In a densely populated country like Bangladesh, ensuring smooth mobility has been a challenge. Therefore, we have launched products and services suitable for the country. For example, recognizing the importance of affordability in a price-sensitive market, Uber has introduced various low-cost options such as Uber Moto and Uber CNG, catering to local transportation preferences. Moreover, in the busy streets of Dhaka or Chattogram, Uber Moto service has been a lifesaver for many people, helping them reach their destination on time.
In addition to our existing efforts to cater to the mobility needs of the Bangladesh market, we made strategic changes to enhance the reliability and safety of our Uber Moto service in Bangladesh. To address safety concerns stemming from drivers requesting offline trips, we’ve introduced subscription plans for drivers. This move aims to reduce instances of ‘khep’ trips, ensuring a better experience for riders and drivers by incentivizing adherence to safety protocols. These measures reflect our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the local market while prioritizing safety and satisfaction for our riders.
Uber has also embraced local partnerships and collaborations, working closely with local stakeholders to navigate regulatory frameworks and cultural nuances successfully. These adaptive measures have allowed us to tailor our services to the specific needs of the Bangladesh market and foster success in the region.
4. What role do you see technology playing in the future of transportation and urban mobility in Bangladesh, and how is Uber positioned to lead in this space?
As Bangladesh continues to urbanize and face challenges such as traffic congestion and air pollution, innovative technological solutions are essential. Uber is positioned to lead in this space by leveraging technology to offer affordable and efficient transportation options. By collaborating with local stakeholders and investing in infrastructure development, Uber aims to be at the forefront of transforming transportation in Bangladesh towards a more connected and accessible future. Technological innovations like Uber are helping the country achieve the Smart Bangladesh goal.
5. Share how Uber contributes to the local economy in Bangladesh, including job creation and economic empowerment for drivers and other stakeholders.
Uber has significantly contributed to the local economy in Bangladesh since its inception in 2016, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and empowerment. We have been instrumental in providing earning opportunities for tens of thousands of people. As of 2023, Uber has served over 6.6 million riders in Bangladesh and has facilitated the creation of livelihoods for more than 300,000 drivers. The Impact of Uber in Bangladesh Report 2021 highlights the substantial economic value unlocked by Uber’s operations It estimates that Uber has generated an estimated BDT 45 billion in economic value, including the earnings of drivers as well as the broader indirect and induced multiplier effects throughout the company’s supply chain. Rides facilitated by Uber contributed BDT 70 billion in consumer surplus in 2021 alone, equivalent to roughly 0.25% of the country’s GDP.
Uber’s presence has had a profound impact on gender equality and workforce participation in Bangladesh. According to a recent report by Oxford Economics, ride hailing services like Uber have become instrumental in enabling women to access employment opportunities and achieve financial independence. The report suggests that increased mobility could lead to a significant rise in the female workforce in Dhaka, potentially exceeding 13% by 2028. This boost in workforce participation could translate to nearly 300,000 women joining Dhaka’s workforce, contributing to a growth of over 1.5% in the city’s economy by 2028. Uber’s operations in Bangladesh have played an instrumental role in promoting gender inclusivity and driving economic empowerment across the country.
6. In a competitive and evolving market like Bangladesh, how does Uber stay ahead of the competition and continue to innovate to meet customer needs?
We fundamentally believe that competition is good for us. Competition forces us to innovate, it ensures that we are ahead of the curve and we are providing the right mobility solution for our riders and drivers. We invest in research and development to understand evolving customer needs and preferences, allowing us to tailor our services accordingly. We closely monitor market trends, to quickly adapt and introduce new features or services to maintain our competitive edge. By prioritizing innovation, customer-centricity, and agility, Uber remains at the forefront of the transportation industry in Bangladesh.
7. As the Country Head of Uber Bangladesh, what is your perspective on the ride-hailing industry in the country and the role of Uber in shaping it?
The ride-hailing industry has witnessed remarkable growth and innovation, fueled by the country’s aspiration towards a Digital Bangladesh. Uber has been instrumental in driving this revolution, constantly pushing boundaries and introducing new solutions to meet the evolving needs of our riders and drivers. One of the most significant contributions of Uber to the Bangladeshi economy has been the creation of micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. Through our platform we empower thousands of individuals to become entrepreneurs, leveraging their vehicles to earn a livelihood. This contributes to economic growth and fosters a culture of self-reliance and empowerment within the community. Uber has redefined commuting in Bangladesh, making it easier, more convenient and safer for millions of people. Our seamless process, reliable service, and focus on safety have significantly improved the overall commuting experience, aligning perfectly with the government’s vision for a modern, efficient transportation system. Uber remains committed to driving positive change and innovation within the ridehailing industry, while also contributing to the broader socioeconomic development of Bangladesh.
8. What are some of the future plans and aspirations of Uber in Bangladesh, and how do you envision the company’s growth and impact in the country in the coming years?
Uber is in a very early stage of its journey in Bangladesh, and we are poised for significant growth and impact in the coming years, building upon our foundation laid over the last seven years. We are committed to expanding our presence geographically with plans to extend our operations to serve riders in every corner of Bangladesh. We recognize the importance of addressing last mile connectivity challenges, particularly in urban areas. By leveraging our two wheeled product, Uber Moto, we aim to bridge the gap between existing transportation options and the needs of commuters, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
