Dhaka, Dec 07 (V7N)- BNP Standing Committee member and former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has urged that the price of mobile phones should remain affordable for consumers. He made the remarks at a seminar on the telecom sector, emphasizing the need to review the revenue structure to ensure benefits reach the consumer level.

Amir Khasru also stated that all telecom policies, including the NEIR system, will be reviewed to ensure there are no provisions against the national interest. He called for moving away from a patronage-based economy.

Meanwhile, mobile phone traders have expressed concerns that the NEIR system could increase device surveillance. They demanded that NEIR implementation be postponed until existing stock is exhausted, approximately six months, and emphasized the need to validate handsets already in stock.

Traders also requested allowing imported models produced domestically to foster market competition and urged a reduction in taxes and VAT to make mobile devices more affordable for consumers.

END/SMA/AJ