Dhaka, Jan 04 (V7N)- Despite a significant reduction in import duties on mobile phones following demands from traders, the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system will not be shut down, said Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Principal Advisor in charge of the Ministry of Postal, Telecommunication and Information Technology.

He made the remarks while briefing reporters after visiting the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building on Monday (January 4) afternoon.

Faiz Ahmed Tayyab said the NEIR system would remain operational to ensure the security of customers’ mobile handsets and to curb illegal activities in the mobile phone market.

“Those who violate the regulations will be brought to justice through the BTRC,” he warned.

Highlighting irregularities in the mobile handset market, he said that nearly half of the imported mobile sets every year enter the country under duty exemptions, a large portion of which are fake, refurbished, copied, or old devices.

“These phones are often given new casings and sold to customers as brand-new products. This practice will no longer be tolerated,” he added.

The Special Assistant emphasized that maintaining the NEIR system is essential to prevent fraud, protect consumers, and ensure transparency in the mobile phone industry.

END/SMA/AJ