NEIR Launch Set to Curb Clone Phones; No Price Hike Ahead, Say Industry Leaders
As many as one million clone handsets of a single model have reportedly flooded the local market, enabling a large criminal network to commit various financial and social offenses. Innocent buyers frequently end up purchasing counterfeit devices without realizing they are fake—and therefore receive no warranty service.
To address these widespread issues, the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR) is set to launch on Victory Day, offering a structured mechanism to identify and regulate mobile handsets.
Despite consumer concerns, industry leaders have dismissed fears that NEIR will inflate phone prices. They have assured that handset prices will not increase by even a single taka once the system goes live.
BTRC Commissioner Mohammad Mahmud Hossain underscored the importance of fulfilling this commitment. Speaking as chief guest at a TRNB seminar on Thursday (26 November), he noted that efforts to roll out NEIR have been underway since 2018. He added that solutions related to regularizing existing stock through legal channels would be finalized this December.
“The quality of the network depends on the quality of the handset,” he said. “Miscommunication must be avoided. No phone purchased before 16 December will be blocked.”
TRNB Organizing Secretary Al Amin Dewan delivered the welcome remarks.
The seminar, chaired by Samir Kumar De, was attended by Additional DIG for Cyber police Center of Bangladesh Police Md. Zahidul Islam, Mobile Phone Industry Owner's Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) President Jakaria Shahid, Mobile Phone Distributor Association President Abdullah Al Harun Raju, Bangladesh Computer Samity President Mohammad Jahirul Islam, Synesis IT CSO Aminul Bari Saurav, and Nagad VP Mohammad Jahidul Islam.
Responding humorously to questions about NEIR’s security, BTRC Director General Aminul Haque remarked, “It’s impossible—unless the DG of BTRC is compromised.”
He explained that once NEIR becomes operational, victims of phone theft or loss will be able to block their devices from home, enhancing protection for consumers.
MIoB President Jakaria Shahid reaffirmed the industry’s commitment:
“NEIR is not our project; it is a national issue. No one with good intentions should oppose it. We want to conduct business within the law. Mobile penetration will increase only if taxes are kept reasonable.”
Abdullah Al Harun Raju stated that the gray market is driven by only “500 to 1,000” individuals, while 18,000 out of 20,000 retailers sell legitimate channel products. He noted that unrestricted phone influx through borders has created major distortions in the market—making NEIR essential.
Jahirul Islam added that the mobile industry leaves no room for syndicates, as imports can be made within a month and around 250 local and foreign brands operate in Bangladesh. “We offer 8–10% higher commissions,” he said.
DBTech/IH/OR
