NEIR system to remain suspended for three months

The National Equipment Identification Register (NEIR) system will remain suspended for the next three months, according to Masud Alam, deputy commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division.

He made the announcement on Sunday following a meeting with representatives of mobile phone traders.

DC Masud Alam said the NEIR system would be reactivated after three months and added that, after discussions with senior officials, the 11 people who were arrested in connection with recent incidents would be released.

Earlier, despite protests from mobile phone traders, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb had stated that the NEIR initiative would not be withdrawn.

Speaking at the inauguration of the NEIR system last Thursday (1 Jan), Faiz said no one involved in the vandalism at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building would be spared.

A group of people reportedly carried out vandalism at the BTRC premises during the launch of the system.

Meanwhile, protesting against the NEIR initiative, mobile phone traders blocked roads in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area on Sunday morning.

They announced a series of demands, including the suspension of the NEIR system, permission to import old (used) mobile phones, withdrawal of cases filed against traders, and the release of those who were arrested.