The rollout of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) on Bangladesh’s mobile networks has triggered debate over data privacy, market competitiveness, and potential challenges for expatriates, with stakeholders expressing differing views on its implementation.
At a press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday, the country director of an international mobile phone brand played an audio recording, alleging that some traders were encouraging outsiders to join protests against NEIR. Representatives of the concerned businesses rejected the claim, calling it misleading and politically motivated.
Mobile phone traders argued that the current import structure—marked by nearly 44% taxes on handsets and import permissions limited to a small number of companies—is reducing market competition. They said the high tax burden is driving up handset prices, discouraging sales, and threatening the survival of thousands of small and medium-sized mobile phone shops. Traders warned that prolonged market pressure could result in widespread job losses.
The traders demanded a reduction of import taxes to 10–15% and equal import access for all legitimate businesses to ensure fair competition and market stability.
Concerns were also raised over user privacy and potential tracking under the NEIR system. Stakeholders alleged that contradictory statements regarding how user data will be stored and used are creating confusion among consumers. Questions were also raised about reliance on foreign data storage infrastructure. Critics warned that if handset data is stored or managed overseas, it could pose risks to personal privacy and national data security.
Expatriate Bangladeshis could face the most difficulties under the NEIR system, participants said. Registering mobile phones brought from abroad for personal use may be time-consuming, particularly for short-term visitors. Delays or procedural complications could result in phones being blocked, disrupting communication. Experts called for a simpler, expatriate-friendly registration process.
While the objective of NEIR—curbing illegal, counterfeit, and stolen phones—is widely supported, experts stressed that greater clarity is needed regarding its implementation timeline and operational framework. They said large-scale policy initiatives of this nature require consultation with all stakeholders, including traders, consumers, technology experts, and expatriate representatives.
A more transparent and inclusive approach, they said, could help NEIR achieve its goals of consumer protection and market discipline without destabilizing the mobile phone sector.
