Mobile industry backs govt’s NEIR rollout to end grey market

The country's mobile phone industry owners have urged the government to ensure uninterrupted implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), set to launch on December 16 this year, to curb the widespread use of illegal and unregistered mobile phones.

The Mobile Industry Owners Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) made the appeal at a press conference in the capital on Wednesday, warning that any delay or rollback would benefit a "vested group" thriving on grey-market sales.

Under the NEIR system, unregistered handsets will be blocked from accessing mobile networks in Bangladesh-a move expected to curb the illegal handset market, which MIOB says supplies nearly 60 per cent of all devices sold and costs the government about £160 million (Tk 20 billion) in annual revenue.

Over the past eight years, 17 mobile manufacturing units-both local and foreign-have invested around £200 million (Tk 25 billion) in Bangladesh, creating over 100,000 jobs. Another £120 million (Tk 15 billion) has gone into component industries, employing up to 60,000 more workers.

MIOB President Jakaria Shahid welcomed the NEIR rollout and urged the authorities not to repeat past mistakes, when enforcement was suspended midway. He accused a "luggage party"-traders importing phones through informal channels-of spreading misinformation to derail the initiative.

"If NEIR is implemented properly, the price of mobile phones will not increase by even one taka," Mr Shahid said. "Instead, the government will earn hundreds of millions of pounds in additional revenue."

Vice President Rezwanul Hoque noted that all major global brands except one now assemble phones locally, meeting about 90 per cent of domestic demand. "With policy support and fair competition, we can operate at full capacity," he said.

Speakers added that NEIR will enhance consumer protection, as legal devices come with warranty, software updates, and security features absent in grey-market handsets.

The association also called for narrowing the tax gap between imported and locally produced phones to ensure a level playing field. "Anyone can join this business through proper channels," said Md Imam Uddin of Vivo Bangladesh, dismissing fears of monopoly.

The event, moderated by MIOB Chief Executive Monirul Islam, was attended by representatives from the Mobile Phone Distribution Association, including its President Deb Prasad Kapuri and Secretary Abdullah Harun.

MIOB urged all stakeholders to reject misinformation campaigns and stand in favour of a lawful, transparent, and competitive mobile market that safeguards both consumers and the national economy.

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