NEIR Seen as Key to Curb Revenue Losses from Illegal Phones
Bangladesh is losing an estimated Tk 10,000 crore in revenue every year due to the circulation of unofficial mobile phones, speakers said, adding that full implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) could raise government revenue to Tk 3,000 crore by 2030. They also projected Tk 300 crore worth of smartphone exports, with the country’s overall smartphone market expected to surpass the trillion-dollar mark.
These observations were shared on Tuesday, January 6, at a press conference titled “Let NEIR Pave the Way for a Secure Bangladesh”, organized by the Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka.
Presenting data at the event, Xiaomi Bangladesh Country Manager Zia Chowdhury said that although claims have been made that 20,000 shops or traders are involved in selling unofficial phones, the actual number is no more than 1,500.
He criticized what he described as false narratives used to fuel protests, stating that the use of children in such movements sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
During the event, organizers also played a voice call recording allegedly showing how an illegal trader mobilized friends and acquaintances to participate in the movement.
MIOB President Zakaria Shahid said that illegal traders are violating four existing laws, yet legitimate businesses are being subjected to discrimination. He further warned that unofficial phones are being used for data smuggling, posing serious risks to national security.
DBTech/IH/EK/OR
