The Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association (MIOB) in Bangladesh highlighted the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) as a significant move towards safeguarding consumers, maintaining market order, and ensuring the sustainability of the local mobile phone sector.
During a media briefing at the InterContinental Dhaka, MIOB emphasized that NEIR would aid in detecting and blocking unauthorized, fake, and stolen mobile devices, minimizing fraud and phone replication, and establishing a fair environment for legitimate enterprises.
MIOB commended the government’s initiative to introduce NEIR starting January 1, coupled with a decrease in smartphone import tariffs to promote legal imports, as a timely and essential step to address longstanding irregularities in the industry.
Jakaria Shahid, President of MIOB, expressed that NEIR would introduce discipline and transparency to the sector, ultimately benefiting consumers. These actions are expected to streamline the market, discourage illicit trade, and enhance consumer trust.
The implementation of NEIR is crucial in preventing the use of illegal International Mobile Equipment Identities (IMEIs), thereby curbing criminal activities associated with mobile phones. Additionally, the system is anticipated to foster fair competition, bolster the digital economy, and boost government revenue generation.
MIOB revealed that over Tk 3,000 crore—both domestic and foreign investments—have been injected into 18 smartphone manufacturing facilities nationwide. The industry sustains approximately 50,000 skilled workers directly and supports another 50,000 individuals through various channels such as dealerships, service centers, sales staff, and retail outlets, with around 30 percent of the workforce being women.
Furthermore, industry representatives condemned the recent vandalism at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) office amid protests against NEIR implementation, urging all parties to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.