Extra Discounts Promised to Ease Mobile Retailers’ Crisis Amid NEIR Protests
Manufacturers have assured that distributors will receive an additional 3–4 percent discount so that retail mobile phone sellers can offer handsets at prices lower than official showrooms, said Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ramna Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
He made the remarks on Sunday, January 4, following a meeting with protesting mobile phone traders at Motaleb Plaza in the capital.
Despite the assurance, several protesters expressed skepticism and demanded the immediate release of those detained during clashes with law enforcement. Movement leaders also announced that protests would continue until their demands are met. After DC Masud left the market area, one leader urged protesters to avoid violence, calling instead for the continuation of a peaceful movement.
Earlier, DC Masud Alam said he had spoken with the concerned assistant adviser, who confirmed that, as promised to traders, no mobile phones would be blacklisted within the first three months of the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR). All stock lots imported before the launch of NEIR would be considered legal, he said.
He further added that manufacturers would provide distributors with an extra 3–4 percent discount to help retailers sell phones at competitive prices. Regarding import duties, he noted that the issue had already been addressed, with duties reduced by up to 60 percent, suggesting that much of the unrest stemmed from misunderstandings.
Addressing protesters at Motaleb Plaza, DC Masud urged patience and referred to earlier clashes during road blockade demonstrations. He said scuffles and stone-throwing had injured several police officers, while some protesters were also hurt during police baton charges. He confirmed that between nine and eleven individuals had been detained but said no final decision had yet been made regarding their release. “I will speak to my seniors and personally request them. I will make my utmost effort,” he said.
Earlier in the day, mobile phone traders enforced a nationwide shutdown and blocked key intersections in Karwan Bazar and Farmgate in Dhaka, protesting the implementation of NEIR along with other demands. Police attempted to disperse the protesters using baton charges, tear gas, water cannons, and sound grenades. At least 20 people were injured and 12 were detained during the incident.
DBTech/IH/EK/OR
