Govt firm on NEIR despite protests, says special assistant to the chief adviser

The government will not suspend the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system despite protests by mobile phone traders, said Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb today.

He also said those involved in the attack on the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building will not be spared, adding that the government cannot give anyone a licence to commit crimes or engage in fraud.

He made the remarks after visiting the BTRC headquarters in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, mobile phone traders blocked roads in the capital's Karwan Bazar area after 11 am, demanding the suspension of the NEIR system, permission to import old handsets, withdrawal of cases filed against traders, and the release of those arrested.

During the protest, clashes broke out between traders and law enforcement agencies.

At one stage, police dispersed the protesters using batons, sound grenades and tear gas.

Taiyeb said measures have already been taken to facilitate legitimate mobile phone imports by reducing import duties.

However, if protests continue in a manner that disrupts public order, the government will take steps to prevent them.

The government launched the NEIR system on January 1, reducing duties on legally imported mobile phones from 60 percent to 43.4 percent, and allowing illegal handsets to be brought under a legal framework.

On the same day, a group of people protesting the move vandalised the BTRC office, leading to the arrest of 45 people.