The High Court has issued nine directives to curb fraud in online businesses and raise consumer awareness. A bench comprising Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon delivered the verdict on Monday.

The court also allowed Robayet Fatema Tani, a prominent female entrepreneur, to continue operating her online store, "Sanvir's by Tani," which had been under scrutiny. Authorities have been instructed to inspect her business at least once a month to ensure compliance with the law.

The nine directives issued by the court are as follows:

1. All parties must adhere to Bangladesh’s existing laws, and a transparent relationship must be maintained between online business owners and consumers.

2. In cases of legal violations, affected parties are entitled to equal protection under the law.

3. Every citizen has the right to conduct legitimate business, and no business can be shut down without due legal process.

4. The Department of Consumer Rights Protection must ensure all online business owners are registered and authorized to operate.

5. Unauthorized online businesses must be prevented from operating on any platform, and counterfeit products must not be sold as genuine.

6. Online businesses must verify the identities of administrators, owners, and consumers using national identity cards.

7. Regulatory authorities like BTRC must collaborate with e-commerce platforms to maintain records of online businesses.

8. Authorities must raise consumer awareness to prevent fraud, advising customers to only purchase from registered and approved online stores.

9. The Department of Consumer Rights Protection must enforce the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, to prosecute fraudulent online businesses.

These directives aim to create a safer and more transparent environment for online commerce in Bangladesh.