BASIS calls for probe into allegations against Bitopia over freelancing marketplace

The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has called for a transparent investigation and fair process into allegations against Bitopia Group on issues of account management on international freelancing marketplaces, use of personal information, fake orders and reviews and violations of marketplace policies.

The call came during a press conference held at the BASIS office in Karwan Bazar in the capital on Saturday (26 September).

BASIS Support Committee member and Chairman of Trust-IT (BD) Limited Engineer Mohammad Jewel read out the written statement during the press conference.

He said it was not possible to conclusively determine the truth of the allegations without a proper investigation.

“BASIS does not support fraud, fake identities, misuse of personal information, fake orders, artificial reviews or violations of international platform policies. However, no one should be declared guilty before an investigation, and due process must be ensured,” he said.

BASIS said that if any individual or organisation involved in the allegations is a member of the association, the matter will be examined in accordance with its constitution and code of conduct.

“If evidence of serious irregularities is found, necessary organisational measures including suspension of membership, will be taken following due process,” Mohammad Jewel said.

He further said BASIS would cooperate with any government investigation.

The association will take initiatives to set up a “Complaint & Evidence Collection” mechanism to gather information from affected freelancers and former employees.

At the same time, BASIS will propose working with the government to formulate a “National Freelancing & Marketplace Governance Framework” for the freelancing sector.

BASIS said the alleged irregularities of any individual or organisation should not be attributed to the millions of honest freelancers in the country.

The organisation said it wants to work in coordination with relevant stakeholders to ensure a transparent investigation, protect those affected and safeguard the international reputation of Bangladesh’s freelancing sector.