BTRC office attacked, vandalized on first day of NEIR launch; mobile shops closed across the country

Staff Correspondent

Dhaka, January 1, 2026: The National Equipment Identification Register (NEIR) system has been officially launched today as a government initiative to prevent tax evasion and stop the use of illegal mobile handsets. As a result, illegal or unregistered handsets newly connected to the network will be identified and disconnected after a specified period of time. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) said that currently used phones will be automatically registered and no user’s phone will be disconnected immediately.

Mobile phone traders attacked and vandalized the BTRC office in Agargaon, the capital’s telecom regulator, after 4 pm today in protest against the introduction of the NEIR system. The traders have demanded that the NEIR be suspended.

“They attacked suddenly, throwing bricks and stones. We are trying to control the situation,” said Ibne Mizan, deputy commissioner of Tejgaon police division.

A BTRC official said they were praying Asr when they heard the sound of brickbats being thrown from outside. He said that around 5 pm, multiple army teams arrived there and took control of the situation.

Mobile handset traders across the country have been protesting the introduction of NEIR for the past few weeks. In December, they staged roadblocks, sit-ins, human chains and shop closures across the country in front of the BTRC office. A protest in Karwan Bazar also saw tyre burning and vehicle vandalism.

Traders claim that the current structure of NEIR will destroy their businesses and create syndicates in the market. Although the government has offered some benefits through several meetings with traders, the agitation has not stopped completely.

The government said that NEIR will stop the use of cloned, old or low-quality phones that come illegally. This will increase state revenue, make it easier to identify stolen phones, and provide consumers with secure devices. Expatriates will be able to bring two new handsets, including personal phones, and will have the opportunity to register within three months.

Possible problems and complaints of mobile handset traders due to NEIR

According to statements by Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) leaders and various sources, businesses may face the following problems if NEIR is introduced:

• Huge loss of stock: There are currently about 5 million illegal or duty-evading handsets in the market. If these are not sold, traders will face losses of crores of taka.
• Business contraction and job losses: There are about 25,000 mobile businesses in the country and more than 2 million people involved in this sector. If illegal imports are stopped, small and medium businesses may close.
• Price hike: High tariffs on legitimate imports will increase the price of phones, which will reduce sales.
• Creation of syndicates: The current rules will increase the monopoly control of a few large companies, preventing small traders from importing.
• Complexity of the registration process: Due to the complexity of registering used or second-hand phones, sales will decrease.

Main complaints of traders :

• NEIR has been suddenly introduced without reform, which will destroy small businesses and only benefit large groups.
• Demand to abolish the syndicate system in imports and open them up to everyone.
• Want at least a 6-month grace period and the opportunity to clear stock.
• Demands for further reduction in tariffs and simplification of the vendor registration process.
• The project is proposed to be government-funded and tested at a pilot stage.

The government is saying that the NEIR will protect and organize the country’s telecom sector. However, the BTRC said that discussions with businessmen are ongoing.