Unofficial Mobile Phone Traders Stage Protest in Dhaka Demanding ‘Favourable NEIR Policy’
Thousands of ‘unofficial’ mobile phone traders and their employees staged a demonstration on Sunday morning, occupying the roadside near Karwan Bazar intersection to demand a “favourable policy” in the ongoing NEIR reform process. These traders typically bring mobile phones into the country through informal channels and sell them without tax as “unofficial” devices.
Under the banner of Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB), the protesters lined the roadside near the Karwan Bazar metro station holding banners and festoons. Many also gathered around the SAARC Fountain area, causing severe traffic congestion along the Dhanmondi–Karwan Bazar route.
Smartphone and gadget traders have also announced a shutdown of mobile phone shops across Dhaka and nationwide in solidarity with the protest. As a result, most mobile phone shops remained closed today.
The demonstrators raised slogans opposing the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) decision to implement NEIR from 16 December. They also demanded a reduction of 57% VAT on mobile phone imports. Placards held by protesters read: “NEIR must come but not with discrimination,” and “Break the 5% mafia syndicate.”
Abdul Khalek, a participating mobile phone trader, said, “We have been doing this business for a long time. If the government suddenly shuts it down, where will we go? We have taken to the streets to press our demands. We want to send a message to the government: sit with us and formulate a fair policy. That way both traders and the government will benefit.”
DBTech/NB/EK/OR
