NEIR crucial to curbing illegal phones, safeguarding consumers: MIOB

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association (MIOB) today termed the rollout of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) a significant milestone for consumer protection, market discipline, and the long-term sustainability of the country’s mobile phone industry.

Speaking at a press conference at the InterContinental Dhaka, MIOB said the NEIR would enable authorities to detect and block illegal, counterfeit, and stolen handsets, curb fraud and phone cloning, and ensure a level playing field for compliant businesses. The association noted that the government’s decision to launch NEIR from January 1, alongside a cut in smartphone import duties to encourage legal imports, was both timely and essential to correcting long-standing distortions in the sector.

MIOB President Jakaria Shahid said the initiative would bring greater transparency and discipline to the industry while safeguarding consumer interests. He added that the measures would help organise the market, deter illicit trade, and boost consumer confidence.

The system is also expected to play a key role in preventing the use of illegal IMEIs, thereby reducing criminal activities linked to mobile phones.

MIOB further said NEIR would promote fair competition, support the expansion of the digital economy, and enhance government revenue collection. The association noted that more than Tk 3,000 crore in local and foreign investment has gone into 18 smartphone manufacturing plants across the country.

The sector directly employs about 50,000 skilled workers and supports another 50,000 through dealerships, service centres, sales teams, and retail networks, with women making up around 30 percent of the workforce.

Industry leaders also condemned the recent vandalism at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) office during protests over NEIR implementation, urging all parties to address disputes through lawful and peaceful means.