The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has called on mobile phone users across the country to ensure their devices are legally registered before 16 December, when the government will begin systematically blocking illegal and cloned handsets from accessing mobile networks.
The measure is part of the newly introduced National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), a system designed to prevent the proliferation of unauthorised mobile devices while enhancing public safety and curbing financial losses to the state. From Victory Day onwards, any handset not recognised by the NEIR will be barred from network services.
Crackdown on Fraud and Illegal Imports
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology to the Chief Adviser, noted in a briefing on 29 October that a staggering 73 per cent of digital fraud cases in Bangladesh were linked to illegal phones and SIM cards. This finding was reported in the Bangladesh Bank's 2024 digital fraud review.
The use of unauthorised mobile devices also results in a significant loss of government revenue-estimated at BDT 5 billion annually-owing to tax evasion through illicit imports. "By implementing NEIR, the government aims to strengthen digital security while safeguarding its financial interests," Taiyeb stated.
Major General (Retd.) Md Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the BTRC, added that rolling out NEIR will enable authorities to swiftly address issues related to handset authenticity and SIM misuse. He confirmed that necessary guidelines under existing telecom policies are being finalised to ensure hassle-free enforcement.
How to Check if a Device Is Legal
Consumers are strongly encouraged to verify the legal status of mobile phones before purchasing. This applies to devices bought from retailers, online platforms, or second-hand markets. To check whether a phone is registered in the NEIR:
Step 1: Open the messaging app and type KYD [space] 15-digit IMEI number
(e.g. KYD 123456789012345)
Step 2: Send the message to 16002
Step 3: You will receive a confirmation stating if the handset is valid.
Those advised to safeguard their purchase receipts for future reference. If the device is cleared, it will be automatically registered on the NEIR platform upon activation.
Registering Phones Brought from Abroad
Handsets brought into Bangladesh by returning travellers or received as gifts will remain temporarily active for 30 days once connected to a local mobile network. Users will receive an SMS prompting them to complete registration within that period.
To register such devices:
Visit neir.btrc.gov.bd and create a user account
Navigate to the "Special Registration" section
Submit the handset's IMEI number
Upload supporting documents, including passport pages (with visa or immigration stamps) and purchase receipts Submit the form for verification
If approved, the handset will be permanently registered. In case of invalid documents, the user will be notified via SMS, and the device will be disconnected.
Registration can also be completed offline via mobile operator customer care centres or by dialling USSD code *16161#-a step designed to ensure accessibility for users without internet access.
Automatic Registration for Existing Users
BTRC has assured that all handsets already connected to mobile networks in Bangladesh before 16 December will be automatically enrolled in the NEIR. As such, no additional action is required for existing users.
The launch of the NEIR system symbolises a significant step forward in strengthening Bangladesh's mobile network security and regulatory framework. It is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing fraud, enforcing legal compliance, and protecting both consumers and state revenue in the telecommunications sector.
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
