Mobile phone traders have suspended their blockade program after the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) assured them that the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system would be reformed in line with their demands.
BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad-ul-Bari gave the assurance around 8:45pm on Sunday.
Following the assurance, traders announced that the blockade of the BTRC office would remain suspended until December 9.
However, mobile phone shops across the country will remain closed until a final decision on NEIR reform is taken.
The BTRC chairman said a joint meeting would be held at the commission to address all complications related to the NEIR system. The meeting will include advisers to the ministries of posts and telecommunications and finance, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman, the commerce secretary, and representatives of the Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association and Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB).
Traders expressed optimism over the assurance, saying they hope negotiations will lead to an effective solution to the NEIR issue and help restore stability to the mobile phone market.