In a surprise move, Alibaba, the China-based global ecommerce giant, has acquired Daraz Group, a leading e-commerce company in Bangladesh and several other South Asian countries. Shayantani Twisha, public relations and communication manager of Daraz Bangladesh confirmed the acquisition to the Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday. She said: "From now on, Daraz Bangladesh will be a part of Alibaba." The acquisitions include Daraz operations in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The operations will continue under the Daraz brand name. "Daraz will be able to leverage Alibaba's leadership and experience in technology, online commerce, mobile payment and logistics to drive further growth in the five South Asian markets that have a combined population of over 460 million, 60% of which are under the age of 35," a press release from Daraz Bangladesh said.