Mobile shops at Jamuna Future Park have shut indefinitely as traders protest the government’s inaction on the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), officials said Tuesday.
Leaders of the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) said they had long sought talks with the government to resolve NEIR-related issues, but no progress had been made. Facing uncertainty, small- and medium-scale traders were forced to close their shops.
A human chain was formed in front of Jamuna Future Park at 1pm on Tuesday, with all shops remaining closed. Traders participating in the demonstration will assess the situation and announce further programs for Wednesday.
Traders said inconsistencies in NEIR implementation have created obstacles to selling legally imported mobile phones, causing significant losses to hundreds of shop owners. They urged the government to intervene immediately.
The closures have raised concerns about potential inconvenience for a large number of customers. MBCB leaders warned that their protest will continue until their demands are met.