Mosabber Hossain

Bangladeshi drivers simply started bypassing Uber and Pathao apps, and the companies took notice and made changes.

In the last year, at least one local startup has shut shop while another has significantly scaled down. Experts worry that the global startup funding crunch could lead the industry to a monopoly.

At least two bike taxi firms were forced to shut down shops while Uber and Pathao are struggling to sustain their businesses.

The frenzy around Clubhouse may have subsided, but many in South Asia are sticking to the app for unique reasons like reciting Urdu poetry and getting stock market tips.