Trade body calls indefinite shutdown of mobile phone shops

All the mobile phone stores across the country will remain shut for an indefinite period in protest against the NEIR roll-out, announced the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) on Friday.

MBCB official Shamim Molla informed reporters about the trade body’s decision.

He said the government introduced the NEIR system, aimed at curbing digital crimes through unauthorised handsets, on Thursday without addressing the traders’ tax-related concerns.

The traders have been calling for lowering the cumulative tax on imported authorised handsets to maximum 10% from 61.8%, but the government has reduced the rate to 43.43%.

This reduced rate is still unaffordable for retail traders, said Shamim Molla.

The traders have also asked the government to simplify import procedures and relax vendor enlistment requirements. Government officials said work is ongoing on resolving the non-tax issues raised by the traders.

As the demands remain unmet, the traders would keep their stores shut for now, and announce the next movement later, Shamim Molla told reporters.

He also demanded the release of 46 people arrested in connection with a violent protest. Shamim Molla demanded authorities lift the lawsuit filed against mobile phone shop owners over Thursday’s vandalism at BTRC office.

Detailing Thursday’s incident, Shamim said that to discuss their demands the trade body leaders visited the BTRC office in the afternoon, but in vain.

During their stay inside the building, some “unidentified people” attacked the facility, prompting the trade body leaders to attempt to mediate the crisis, Shamim Molla claimed.

However, due to tensions and security concerns the trade body leaders left the area.