foodpanda Bangladesh has alleged that some restaurant partners in Chattogram are being pressured to join a protest against the platform, switch off foodpanda devices and, in some cases, move to competing delivery services.
Such practices undermine fair competition and restaurant owners’ freedom to choose their commercial partners, the company said in a press release on Monday.
“Every restaurant has the right to make their own decisions, including choosing its delivery partners and business relationships, without pressure or intimidation,” foodpanda Bangladesh Head of Public Affairs and Public Relations Zahedul Islam.
foodpanda said its commercial agreements are negotiated directly with individual restaurant partners rather than through third-party associations, and that it is engaging those partners directly over concerns raised in Chattogram.
“Contracts with restaurant partners are mutually agreed and underpinned by bilateral trust,” the company said.
It warned that service suspensions would hurt restaurant sales, reduce rider earnings and affect customers.
The statement did not identify the people or organisation allegedly exerting pressure or provide details of specific incidents.
foodpanda said it remained committed to dialogue and a resolution involving all stakeholders.
