NEIR Rollout to Reinforce Regulation, Revive Smartphone Market: Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb
The government plans to make local smartphone manufacturing more attractive than imports through the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) and a reform of the customs duty structure, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. He expressed optimism that smartphone penetration could double within a year under the new measures.
He added that data prices are also expected to decrease as the new policy opens up fiberization and as the third and fourth submarine cables come online.
Highlighting the interim government's commitment to protecting investment in the device manufacturing sector, Taiyeb said that smartphone usage in Bangladesh currently stands at around 41–45 percent. In 2021, annual smartphone sales reached around USD 10 billion, but due to flawed policies and illegal imports, the figure has fallen to about USD 8 billion a year.
Welcoming the growth of local mobile manufacturing, the Special Assistant said the government would continue supporting the industry to ensure its expansion and safeguard investments. “The success of the device industry depends on the right balance between legitimate local production and legitimate imports. If we rationalize the tax structure, more companies will come to Bangladesh. With proper incentives, smartphone usage can jump from 40 percent to 70 or even 80 percent,” he noted.
Taiyeb further stated that strict measures are being taken to curb illegal smartphone imports. The NEIR system will become operational on 16 December, and the import duty structure will be reassessed to ensure protection for domestic manufacturing.
In his speech as chief guest, he said Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey. Closing the skills gap between academia and industry, ensuring skill development, and creating quality employment opportunities for the youth are now key priorities.
He also believes that improved digital governance will strengthen investor confidence and boost smartphone usage. “Our cyber policy, data protection policy, and data governance framework will align with regional and global standards, reinforcing public trust in the digital ecosystem,” he added.
The Special Assistant made these remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of commercial operations and foundation stone–laying of three technology-based companies at the Hi-Tech Park in Kaliakair, Gazipur.
On the day, commercial operations of Smart Hi-Tech Industry Ltd were launched first. Later, the foundation stone of Heaven’s Light Private Limited’s AI- and IoT-based smart lighting and home automation manufacturing facility was laid. Subsequently, Taiyyeb laid the foundation stone for the second EV plant of the local brand Bangla Cars.
DBTech/IH/OR
