1. Introduction

Welcome to Bangladesh Local Guide (“we,” “us,” or “our”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our guide services, visit our website bangladeshlocalguide.com, or communicate with us through WhatsApp, email, or other channels.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you book our services or contact us, we may collect:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, WhatsApp number
• Travel Details: Arrival/departure dates, flight information, hotel accommodations, travel itinerary preferences
• Personal Preferences: Dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, language preferences, special interests
• Payment Information: Payment method preferences (note: we do not store credit card details)
• Passport Information: Nationality, passport number (only when required for permits or visa assistance)
• Emergency Contacts: Emergency contact person and their phone number (for safety purposes)
• Communication Records: Messages, emails, and call logs related to service inquiries and bookings

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device (see Cookies section below)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Travel Partners: Hotels, transportation providers, tour operators
• Social Media: Publicly available information from your social media profiles if you connect with us
• Referrals: Information provided by friends or family who recommend our services to you

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery

• Coordinating and providing guide services, tours, and assistance in Bangladesh
• Making reservations for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and activities
• Arranging necessary permits, tickets, and documentation
• Providing translation and interpretation services
• Responding to emergencies and ensuring your safety

3.2 Communication

• Responding to your inquiries and booking requests
• Sending booking confirmations, itinerary updates, and travel information
• Providing important safety alerts and travel advisories
• Following up after your tour to gather feedback

3.3 Service Improvement

• Analyzing usage patterns to improve our website and services
• Understanding customer preferences to offer personalized recommendations
• Training and quality assurance purposes

3.4 Marketing (with consent)

• Sending newsletters, special offers, and travel tips (you can opt-out anytime)
• Sharing updates about new destinations and services

3.5 Legal Compliance

• Complying with legal obligations under Bangladesh law
• Responding to legal requests from authorities
• Protecting our rights and preventing fraud

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We respect your privacy and limit data sharing to essential parties only:

4.1 Service Providers

We share information with trusted partners who help us deliver services:

• Hotels and Accommodations: Booking details and guest preferences
• Transportation Providers: Pickup/dropoff locations and schedules
• Activity Operators: Tour participation details and special requirements
• Payment Processors: Transaction information (PayPal, bank transfers)
• Communication Tools: WhatsApp, email service providers

4.2 Government Authorities

When legally required, we may share information with:

• Bangladesh immigration authorities (for visa assistance)
• Tourism and forest departments (for permits)
• Law enforcement (if required by law)

4.3 Emergency Situations

In case of medical emergencies or safety concerns, we may share your information with:

• Medical facilities and healthcare providers
• Your emergency contacts
• Embassies or consulates
• Insurance companies (with your consent)

4.4 Business Transfers

If our business is acquired, merged, or restructured, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: We use SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Secure Storage: Data stored on password-protected devices and secure cloud services
• Regular Updates: Software and security systems kept up-to-date

5.2 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide ongoing services (active bookings and communication)
• Comply with legal obligations (tax records, contracts: 7 years)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

After the retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your data. You can request earlier deletion (see Your Rights section).

5.3 Limitations

While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but continuously work to improve our safeguards.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us improve your browsing experience.

6.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality (cannot be disabled)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (Google Analytics)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences (language, region)
• Marketing Cookies: Track your interaction with our marketing campaigns

6.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete existing ones
• Disabling cookies may affect website functionality
• You can opt-out of Google Analytics: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

7. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Right to Access

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

7.2 Right to Rectification

You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

7.3 Right to Erasure

You can request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).

7.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can request that we limit how we use your data.

7.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request your data in a commonly used, machine-readable format.

7.6 Right to Object

You can object to processing of your data for marketing purposes.

7.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where we rely on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.

7.8 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:

• Email: contact@bangladeshlocalguide.com
• WhatsApp: +880 1897-785210

We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. International Data Transfers

Bangladesh Local Guide operates in Bangladesh. If you are accessing our services from outside Bangladesh, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh may have different data protection laws than your country. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to Bangladesh and acknowledge that it will be processed according to this Privacy Policy and applicable Bangladesh laws.

We use trusted international service providers (like WhatsApp, PayPal) that may process data in their respective countries. These providers have their own privacy policies and security measures.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services are designed for adults (18+). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental consent.

If you are a parent/guardian booking services for a minor, you are responsible for providing their information and consenting to this Privacy Policy on their behalf.

If we learn we have collected information from a child under 18 without parental consent, we will delete that information promptly. Please contact us if you believe we have inadvertently collected such information.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website and communications may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, or services (hotels, airlines, tour operators, etc.).

Important: We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. When you click on external links, you are subject to their privacy policies, not ours.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit, especially when providing personal information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.

When we make changes:

• We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page
• For significant changes, we will notify you via email or prominent notice on our website
• Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Bangladesh Data Protection Context

As a Bangladesh-based service provider, we comply with the laws and regulations of Bangladesh, including:

• The Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 (amended 2013)
• Digital Security Act, 2018
• Relevant provisions of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001

While Bangladesh does not currently have comprehensive data protection legislation equivalent to GDPR, we strive to follow international best practices for data privacy and security.

For international clients, we recognize and respect the data protection laws of your home country, including GDPR (for EU residents), CCPA (for California residents), and other applicable regulations.