Ctg Correspondent
Restaurant owners in Chattogram have given Foodpanda seven days to address complaints over commissions, additional charges, payment transparency and cancelled orders, warning of a collective suspension of orders through the platform if their demands are not met.
The demands were raised at a press conference organised by the Chattogram Metropolitan Branch of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association at Barcode Food Station in Muradpur on Saturday, October 10.
Manjurul Haque, general secretary of the association’s metropolitan branch and proprietor of Barcode Cafe, alleged that Foodpanda’s unilateral policies and unclear charges were putting restaurants under financial pressure. He cited additional deductions for online payments, VAT on commissions, tablets and internet services, demanding itemised invoices disclosing all charges.
Restaurant owners also complained of losses from cancelled orders due to technical or delivery-related problems beyond their control. They demanded proper investigations, an opportunity to explain their positions before refunds were issued, and fair compensation for losses.
Mohammad Imtiaz Uddin Naoshad, the branch president and proprietor of Handi Restaurant, alleged that refund amounts were sometimes deducted from restaurants’ dues without adequate verification. He called for proper investigations and settlement of payments within seven days, saying delays disrupted the purchase of ingredients, staff payments and other operating expenses.
The association cited local platform Foodi’s claimed 15 per cent all-inclusive commission arrangement, questioning why restaurants should face additional charges on Foodpanda.
It urged the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Competition Commission and Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection to introduce clear guidelines on commissions, payments, cancellations, refunds and complaint resolution.
The owners said they preferred dialogue but would consider collective action if Foodpanda failed to meet their demands within seven days.
Association Vice-President Raihanul Ferdous, Organising Secretary Md Abul Monsur, Finance Secretary Sumon and Joint General Secretary G. M. Monowar were among those present. #EK