STAR BUSINESS REPORT

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association (MIOB) yesterday described the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) as a major step towards consumer protection, market discipline, and ensuring the sustainability of the country’s mobile phone industry.

At a press conference held at the InterContinental Dhaka, MIOB said NEIR would help identify and block illegal, counterfeit, and stolen mobile phones, reduce fraud and phone cloning, and create a level playing field for legitimate businesses.

MIOB said the government’s decision to roll out NEIR from January 1, alongside a reduction in smartphone import duties to encourage legal imports, was timely and necessary to address long-standing irregularities in the sector.

MIOB President Jakaria Shahid said NEIR would bring discipline and transparency to the industry and protect consumers.

The measures would help organise the market, discourage illicit trade, and strengthen consumer confidence.

It would play a critical role in preventing the use of illegal IMEIs, thereby limiting criminal activities linked to mobile phones.

He added that the system would also support fair competition and contribute to the growth of the digital economy, while boosting government revenue collection.

MIOB said more than Tk 3,000 crore -- both local and foreign -- had been invested in 18 smartphone manufacturing facilities across the country.

The industry directly employs around 50,000 skilled workers and supports another 50,000 people through dealerships, service centres, sales representatives, and retail operations.

Around 30 percent of the workforce is women, the association said.

Industry representatives also condemned the recent vandalism at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) office in connection with protests over NEIR implementation, urging all stakeholders to resolve disagreements through lawful and peaceful means.