Bangladesh is set to roll out the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) on January 1, marking a major shift in how mobile phones are regulated across the country.
The system aims to curb the illegal handset market and strengthen digital security by linking every mobile device to a verified user.
From Thursday, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will begin enforcing the system, which connects each handset's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number with the user's National Identity Card and SIM registration. This will allow authorities to trace devices operating on local networks.
However, BTRC has granted mobile phone importers and traders a final three-month grace period - until the end of March 2026 - to sell handsets brought into Bangladesh through duty evasion. But before that, they have to submit details of those tax-evaded handsets to the regulator.
Mohammad Zahirul Islam, a member of Mobile Phone Industry Owners' Association of Bangladesh, said the regulator should not extend the deadline further, as repeated delays have allowed the grey market to continue operating.
The financial impact of illegal handset trading remains significant. Industry estimates suggest that nearly 40 per cent of smartphones sold in Bangladesh enter the market unofficially, avoiding import duties of 15 to 25 per cent depending on the device.
This results in an estimated annual revenue loss of around Tk 20 billion. Consumers who purchase such phones also face risks, as these devices usually come without warranties or after-sales support.
According to a senior BTRC official, the NEIR is intended to bring order to the handset market. From January 1, any new device must be verified through the central database before it can operate on a mobile network.
The official said the system would also help protect the country's 18 local mobile manufacturing plants, which face unfair competition from untaxed and unregulated imports.
To minimise disruption, all devices that were active on local networks before December 31 will be automatically registered under the new system. However, buyers of new phones will need to verify their devices at the point of purchase by sending an SMS to 16002. Phones brought in by travellers or expatriates will need to be registered through a dedicated BTRC online portal using travel documents.
The regulator believes the system will also strengthen efforts to curb mobile-related crimes. Once a handset is reported stolen, its IMEI can be blocked across all mobile networks, rendering the device unusable and reducing incentives for theft.
However, concerns remain about the transition. Some small retailers, particularly in rural areas, fear a temporary slowdown in sales as customers adjust to the new process. There are also concerns that elderly users may face difficulties navigating the online registration system for imported phones.
To address these issues, the BTRC has stepped up public awareness efforts through SMS alerts and social media campaigns, aiming to ensure a smooth transition for the country's nearly 190 million mobile subscribers.
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