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Mobile phone traders have alleged that the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) is being rushed without adequate consultation, potentially causing hardship for small traders and raising concerns among consumers.
At a press conference on Sunday afternoon at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, representatives of the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh claimed that a group of business interests had influenced policy decisions related to NEIR.
Speaking at the event, Azizur Rahman Sohel, international secretary of Mobile Business Community Bangladesh, said several traders were facing legal cases they believed to be unfounded.
He alleged that NEIR was being implemented under "coordinated pressure" and warned that the issue could have wider implications for national interests if not handled transparently.
Golam Mahfuz Jony, a representative of mobile phone traders at Jamuna Future Park, said traders were not opposed to regulation but sought a more practical and inclusive approach.
He stated that many consumers depend on affordable, refurbished handsets due to financial constraints and urged the authorities to consider this reality when formulating policy. He also called for the release of traders detained in connection with recent protests.
Faisal Azad, general secretary of the Jamuna Future Park unit of the organisation, claimed that although traders were initially given time to complete registration, mobile networks were disrupted before the deadline.
He further questioned reports that parts of the NEIR system would be operated from outside Bangladesh, arguing that public confidence requires clarity on data security and sovereignty.
The speakers collectively urged the government to review the implementation process and ensure that any technological system introduced serves the broader public interest.
They stressed that while regulation is necessary, it should be introduced gradually and with stakeholder engagement to avoid unnecessary disruption.
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