Photo: Orchid Changma
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Photo: Orchid Changma
In Bangladesh, a thriving freelance economy has emerged as a critical source of income for thousands of young professionals. Over the past decade, the country has earned global recognition as a hub for skilled freelancers offering services ranging from graphic design to software development. Yet, this emerging sector faces a unsecure future due to a combination of systemic challenges and recent disruptions such as the internet blackout that followed the political upheaval in July 2024.
Freelancers in Bangladesh stand at the crossroads of opportunity and uncertainty. While the digital economy promises flexibility and global outreach, freelancers are grappling with the dual challenges of unreliable infrastructure and a fragile political landscape. Their stories highlight the need for urgent reforms and strategic investments to secure the future of freelancing in the country.
Bangladesh’s freelancing boom is no accident. According to the Oxford Internet Institute, the country ranks among the top global suppliers of online labour. Many other organisations have praised the freelancers of Bangladesh in various rankings. Platforms like Fiverr, and Upwork are swarming with Bangladeshi freelancers offering affordable and high-quality services. The sector’s appeal lies in its accessibility—armed with a well-built pc and internet connection, individuals can participate in the global economy without the need for costly infrastructure.
This growth has created opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. Some freelancers even earn incomes far exceeding local job opportunities, demonstrating the transformative potential of the digital economy in a developing country.
Freelancing in crisis due to the July 2024 internet blackout
The promise of freelancing was abruptly shaken in July 2024, when political unrest culminated in a nationwide internet blackout. For five days, freelancers found themselves cut off from clients, deadlines, and income—their livelihoods effectively suspended.
For Sudiptta Apu, a freelancer based in Khulna, the blackout was catastrophic. “I had eight ongoing projects worth over $1,000 that were suddenly put on hold. I lost one client entirely and received bad reviews from another, which lowered my profile visibility on Fiverr,” he lamented. This was no isolated case; thousands of freelancers faced similar losses, with many struggling to recover months later. Apu’s income, previously over BDT 1 lakh monthly, has since dwindled to BDT 70,000-80,000.
Fiverr attempted to cushion the blow by placing Bangladeshi freelancers in ‘vacation mode’ to prevent penalties for missed deadlines. However, this temporary fix was insufficient. Freelancers like Shaikh Abdulla saw their accounts banned due to unresolved disputes with clients. “I regret relying solely on marketplaces like Fiverr. Losing my account forced me to reconsider freelancing altogether,” he shared. Abdulla is now working for a local company, highlighting the uncertainty of freelancing in an unstable environment.
Structural challenges facing freelancers
While the blackout showed the vulnerability of freelancers to external shocks, it also highlighted deeper structural issues. Unreliable and costly internet connections, power outages, and the lack of robust digital infrastructure have long plagued Bangladesh’s freelance community.
In addition to infrastructure woes, freelancers face steep platform fees that eat into their earnings. Fiverr and Upwork take commissions ranging from 10% to 20%, which can be crippling for professionals working on tight margins. As Sumayah Islam, a Shopify developer, said, “Finding clients outside traditional marketplaces is every freelancer’s dream because it eliminates these fees. However, doing so requires skills and networks that many lack.”
Photo: Orchid Changma
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Photo: Orchid Changma
Lessons from the July revolution and beyond
The July revolution, which brought down the autocratic regime, marked a turning point for Bangladesh. For freelancers, it was both a wake-up call and a source of renewed hope.
The new interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has vowed to prioritise infrastructure development, including stable internet and electricity.
These commitments are vital for freelancers who view reliable connectivity as a basic right rather than a luxury.
The crisis also brought forth the importance of diversification. Freelancers who acquired clients outside the traditional marketplaces were better positioned to weather the storm. Despite losing some clients during the blackout, these freelancers recovered much quickly due to their professional relationships.
The way forward is building resilience in the freelance sector
To ensure the sustainability of Bangladesh’s freelancing economy, systemic changes are essential. Stable internet and electricity are non-negotiable. The government’s plan to create an entry point with regulatory guidelines for foreign satellite internet providers like Starlink to obtain an operational licence in Bangladesh is a beacon of hope for many firms who outsource from Bangladesh.
Education and training must also be prioritised. While platforms like Fiverr offer global opportunities, freelancers need skills to navigate client relationships, negotiate terms, and diversify their income streams.
In a study titled ‘Identifying Skill Gaps in IT Freelancing to Create Employment and Increase Remittances’ published by the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) in October 2024, it was found that most freelancers in Bangladesh are young, urban males with less than three years of experience. While they excel in areas like graphic design, they lag behind competitors in programming, cybersecurity, and other high-value skills.
This skills gap has contributed to Bangladesh’s drop to 29th place in the CEO Magazine ranking of top freelancing countries, highlighting the urgent need for advanced skills.
Instead of receiving training on just data entry, graphic designing, and digital marketing the freelancers need to develop other skills like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cybersecurity, programming, and 3-D modeling to make a dent in the marketplaces. Public and private sector initiatives could include workshops, mentorship programmes, and access to international networks. However, these initiatives must address the skill gap between training curriculum and market demands.
Furthermore, reducing dependency on international marketplaces is critical. Building local platforms or co-operatives could empower freelancers to retain a greater share of their earnings. Government incentives for such initiatives could catalyse their development, creating a more equitable ecosystem.
A sector prepared for revival
Despite the challenges, freelancing remains a beacon of hope for many Bangladeshis. It offers a pathway to financial independence and global engagement, even for those in remote areas. The road to recovery after the July 2024 blackout will be long, but the resilience of Bangladesh’s freelancers is undeniable.
The new era of ‘Bangladesh 2.0’ brings with it the promise of progress. As the country rebuilds, the freelancing sector must be at the forefront of these efforts. By addressing infrastructural deficiencies and fostering a supportive environment, Bangladesh can ensure that its freelancers not only survive but thrive in the global digital economy.
Md. Zahidur Rabbi is a journalist at The Daily Star.
Source: State of freelancers in Bangladesh: Challenges, ways forward
