Streamlined registration process prioritizes consumer ease while safeguarding national cyber security
Government Set to Launch User-Friendly Basic NEIR System
- Active devices will not be blocked while registration and ownership transfer are simplified
-
Dhaka, 12 August 2026, Wednesday
The government's initiative to block illegal and unofficial mobile handsets using National Identity (NID) cards and a central database—known as the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR)—is finally moving towards swift implementation after years of dispute. Although launched officially on January 1, 2026, following a five-year hiatus since BTRC signed agreements in late 2020, full execution was stalled due to consumer resistance, cloned IMEIs, and a complex regulatory framework.
Traders under the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) previously protested high official import duties (57-60%), which incentivized grey-market alternatives. Conversely, local manufacturers reported that out of an annual national demand of 30 million handsets, nearly 30 percent were smuggled or refurbished clones. Recent budget adjustments reducing import taxes have helped bridge the official and grey-market price gaps. Under the BNP-led government, a consumer-first 'Basic NEIR' model is now being deployed.
In this regards, Prime Minister's Telecom and ICT Adviser Rehan Asif Asad stated: "Emphasis is being placed on the humane aspect of simplifying the ownership transfer process within NEIR so that no injustice occurs. The goal is to ensure that transferring phones among family members, friends, parents, or siblings causes no hassle during NEIR execution. No active handset will be shut down until the NEIR system is fully operational; however, once active, it will identify tax-evaded illegal handsets, such as cloned or fake units. Individuals bringing phones from abroad must comply with NEIR regulations. The registration of legally imported phones will be seamless. The ultimate objective is to ensure smooth registration and usability post-registration, aligning with international practices."
Replying on a question from digbanglatech.news BTRC Director General BTRC Director General Brig. Gen. Md. Aminul Haq stated, "We are ready to execute NEIR at any moment. If modifications are instructed, it will take minimal time to implement."
President of MOIB, Zakaria Shahid, remarked, "There were massive repercussions during consumer-level registration and de-registration. Eliminating those to introduce a Basic NEIR marks a major milestone. The process can be fine-tuned later."
Secretary General of Bangladesh Mobile Phone Distributors Association, Abdullah Al Harun, noted, "We welcome and support this government move because we favor NEIR. It will boost state revenue, and fine-tuning can happen incrementally after launch."
General users stand to benefit as existing active handsets remain unaffected, while registration for phones brought by overseas relatives is being simplified.
To finalize the transition, the regulatory body plans to collect feedback from local manufacturers, importers, and retailers next month.
//DBTech/IIH/SMI//
Dhaka, 12 August 2026, Wednesday
The government's initiative to block illegal and unofficial mobile handsets using National Identity (NID) cards and a central database—known as the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR)—is finally moving towards swift implementation after years of dispute. Although launched officially on January 1, 2026, following a five-year hiatus since BTRC signed agreements in late 2020, full execution was stalled due to consumer resistance, cloned IMEIs, and a complex regulatory framework.
Traders under the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) previously protested high official import duties (57-60%), which incentivized grey-market alternatives. Conversely, local manufacturers reported that out of an annual national demand of 30 million handsets, nearly 30 percent were smuggled or refurbished clones. Recent budget adjustments reducing import taxes have helped bridge the official and grey-market price gaps. Under the BNP-led government, a consumer-first 'Basic NEIR' model is now being deployed.
In this regards, Prime Minister's Telecom and ICT Adviser Rehan Asif Asad stated: "Emphasis is being placed on the humane aspect of simplifying the ownership transfer process within NEIR so that no injustice occurs. The goal is to ensure that transferring phones among family members, friends, parents, or siblings causes no hassle during NEIR execution. No active handset will be shut down until the NEIR system is fully operational; however, once active, it will identify tax-evaded illegal handsets, such as cloned or fake units. Individuals bringing phones from abroad must comply with NEIR regulations. The registration of legally imported phones will be seamless. The ultimate objective is to ensure smooth registration and usability post-registration, aligning with international practices."
Replying on a question from digbanglatech.news BTRC Director General BTRC Director General Brig. Gen. Md. Aminul Haq stated, "We are ready to execute NEIR at any moment. If modifications are instructed, it will take minimal time to implement."
President of MOIB, Zakaria Shahid, remarked, "There were massive repercussions during consumer-level registration and de-registration. Eliminating those to introduce a Basic NEIR marks a major milestone. The process can be fine-tuned later."
Secretary General of Bangladesh Mobile Phone Distributors Association, Abdullah Al Harun, noted, "We welcome and support this government move because we favor NEIR. It will boost state revenue, and fine-tuning can happen incrementally after launch."
General users stand to benefit as existing active handsets remain unaffected, while registration for phones brought by overseas relatives is being simplified.
To finalize the transition, the regulatory body plans to collect feedback from local manufacturers, importers, and retailers next month.
//DBTech/IIH/SMI//
