Government to Block Illegal Phones; Trade Body Protests, Industry Clarifies

From November 16, the government has been implementing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) to curb the sale of illegally imported and cloned mobile phones in the country. In protest, the Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB), representing smartphone and gadget traders, announced at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) on November 19 that all mobile phone sales would be suspended.

However, later in the afternoon, the Mobile Phone Industry Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) described MBCB’s announcement as “misleading.” Representing 18 government-approved mobile phone manufacturers and importers, MIOB stated in a press release: “We want to assure our valued customers and stakeholders that all authorized sales outlets and brand shops of legal mobile phone producers and importers in Bangladesh remain open daily, except for their designated weekly holidays.”

The association also clarified that there is no government directive, plan, or circumstance to close any legitimate retail outlet in the country.

Meanwhile, during the NEIR protest press conference, MBCB Secretary and CEO of SumashTech, Abu Saeed Piyas, was taken into DB custody from his home at 3 a.m. The organization had threatened a strict action program if he was not released, but he was freed in the evening after questioning at the intelligence office. No further protests have been reported by the organization since then.

It is also noted that mobile markets at Bashundhara City, Motaleeb Plaza, and Stern Plaza were already closed by traders. However, sales continued normally at brand outlets in Dhaka and mobile outlets outside the capital.

DBTech/RJ/EC/OR

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