National NEIR Launch: Navigating Networks and New Norms

The National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) will be fully operational from December 16, 2025, aiming to curb illegal mobile handsets, detect financial fraud in mobile financial services, prevent mobile theft, and strengthen government revenue and security mechanisms. The initiative will also legalize all previously unauthorized handsets in the country. All officially and unofficially active mobile phones on the network will now fall under mandatory registration, with specific procedures and potential government taxes applicable for registering new unauthorized devices.

Blocking and Unlocking Lost or Stolen Phones

Under the new system, only approved, standard, and legally imported mobile handsets will receive quality service. Illegal or cloned IMEI phones will not connect to networks. “Once this system is in place, customers can easily block or unlock their stolen or lost phones via the NEIR portal (neir.btrc.gov.bd), mobile apps, or the operator’s customer center. Those without internet access can use the USSD channel or call 121 for assistance,” officials said.

Registering Imported or Gifted Handsets

Mobile devices legally purchased or received as gifts abroad will initially be active on the network. SMS instructions will guide users to submit required information online within 30 days. After verification, only valid handsets will remain active.

Registration procedure for imported or gifted handsets:

1. Register a personal account at neir.btrc.gov.bd.

2. Enter the handset’s IMEI number in the Special Registration section.

3. Upload scanned copies or images of required documents (passport with visa/immigration stamps, purchase receipt, etc.) and submit.

4. The handset will be automatically registered if valid; otherwise, users will be notified via SMS and the device disconnected from the network.

Notes:

• Users can also register through the nearest mobile operator customer care center.

• Under current baggage rules, an individual may bring one duty-free handset in addition to one personal device previously used on the network; additional handsets require customs duties.

Required Documents for Special Registration

Purchased handset: Passport identity page, immigration stamp page, purchase receipt, customs duty proof (if more than one device).
Gifted handset: Passport identity page, immigration stamp page, customs duty proof (if more than one device), purchase receipt, and gift declaration letter.
Airmail received: Sender’s passport or NID copy (if applicable), recipient’s NID, purchase receipt, and customs payment proof (if more than one device).

Checking Status of Used Handsets

All handsets active on the network will be automatically registered by December 16, 2025. Prior devices do not require separate registration. To verify:

1. Dial *16161# on the handset.

2. Enter the 15-digit IMEI when prompted.

3. Receive an SMS with the current status of the handset.

Services are also available via neir.btrc.gov.bd, the Citizen Portal, or operator customer care centers.

De-Registration of Handsets

From December 16, 2025, handsets can be de-registered for sale or transfer by providing the last four digits of the NID. De-registration options include:

• Citizen Portal (neir.btrc.gov.bd)

• MNO Portal

• Mobile Apps

• USSD Channel (*16161#)

Conditions:

• The SIM in the handset must be registered under the user’s NID.

• For cloned or duplicate IMEI devices, the next user’s SIM number must be provided.

Corporate SIM users will be notified to provide personal NID information within 30 days via SMS. De-registration can be completed with either the personal NID or the Key-Contact-Point (KCP) NID.

Mobile Production, Import, and Sale Regulations

Most mobile handsets in Bangladesh are locally produced, with some imported through registered vendors. Post-NEIR implementation, all IMEIs of produced or imported phones must be submitted in a specified format to the commission. Phones without registered IMEIs will be denied network access. Sellers must verify IMEIs before sales and cannot sell phones with fake or duplicate IMEIs.

Pre-purchase procedure for consumers:

1. Send a message: KYD <15-digit IMEI> to 16002.

2. Receive SMS confirmation on handset validity.

3. Keep the purchase receipt for record.

For manufacturers and importers:

• Comply with commission guidelines for handset production/import.

• Submit IMEIs in the prescribed format before market distribution.

For NEIR-related inquiries, contact BTRC Helpdesk at 100 or operator customer care at 121.

This initiative marks a major step toward securing mobile networks, curbing fraud, and formalizing handset usage across Bangladesh.