Bangladesh Readies NEIR Amid 'Clone Phone Threats and Obstruction'

, November 22 -- In response to growing worries about the national security threats from cloned and altered mobile devices, the government i...

, November 22 -- In response to growing worries about the national security threats from cloned and altered mobile devices, the government is set to introduce the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), a centralized system aimed at preventing the use of unauthorized phones.

Nevertheless, officials mention that the initiative is encountering opposition from criminal groups that benefit from the clone-phone trade, creating an obstacle to the effective execution of the policy.

Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser overseeing the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, stated that the government intends to prohibit all counterfeit, illegally imported, and smuggled mobile phones, emphasizing that there will be "no exceptions" in removing these devices from the market.

He mentioned that unauthorized phones not only lead to tax losses but are also involved in various serious crimes. These include crimes related to SIM cards and telecommunications—such as incorrect registration and fake eKYC, SIM fraud, gambling and multi-level marketing scams via bulk SMS, and mobile financial fraud.

Government to prohibit cloned, illegally imported phones: Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb

Online crimes like gambling, fraud, and phishing are also associated with cloned phones, along with several financial offenses such as avoiding patent and technology royalty payments, evading taxes and customs duties, and smuggling phones across borders from India and China.

He stated that the matter encompasses multiple levels of security impacting individuals, the economy, and the government.

Various law enforcement bodies, BIDA, mobile banking providers, banks, BFIU, and NBR have all called for immediate measures to prevent the proliferation of unauthorized devices, he mentioned. This issue is also vital for maintaining order and safety within the mobile banking, internet, and telecommunications industries.

Taiyeb mentioned that numerous cloned devices currently employ identical IMEI numbers, a situation that will cease to occur once NEIR is implemented.

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He stated that a "strong organized crime group" engaged in the illegal mobile phone trade is actively working against the implementation of NEIR. "If NEIR is introduced, importing counterfeit phones will no longer be feasible. That's why the criminal organization is attempting to block it," he mentioned.

Taiyeb also recommended that users always register their SIM cards under their own names to prevent any issues. "If a SIM card registered in your name is used in a legitimate phone, you will never encounter problems," he stated.

He emphasized that genuine traders will not face any issues. "The route through which millions of phones enter the country without paying duties will be closed. Lawful businesses have no reason to be concerned. They are being urged to sell authentic devices."

He stated that talks with BTRC and NBR are in progress to cut import taxes. An upcoming meeting with the NBR chairman is planned, while BTRC has asked local producers to decrease mobile phone prices.

"Whatever needs to be done will be carried out to make genuine phones more accessible to customers," Taiyeb added.

Simplifying Phone Registration

The BTRC is also aiming to streamline the registration procedure for phones that are legally imported from other countries. All devices that are active prior to December 16 will be considered valid by default. Expatriates can still bring one or two phones according to current regulations, whereas additional NBR rules will be applicable for more than two devices.

"If users have a SIM card registered under their own name, they won't encounter any issues. However, SIM cards used in cloned phones are vulnerable," Taiyeb stated.

He emphasized again that law enforcement bodies, BIDA, banks, BFIU, and NBR have consistently called on the government to halt the use of illegal phones. "This is not just an economic issue, but also a matter of national security," he stated.

In the meantime, the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) has declared widespread store shutdowns across the country as a demonstration against NEIR.

The business sector argues that the 57% tax on carry-on phones will increase costs, negatively affect regular customers, and render operations unsustainable.

They urged the government to implement a sensible customs policy via discussion.

On the other hand, the Mobile Phone Industry Owners' Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) mentioned in a statement that retail outlets selling mobile phones across the nation continue to be operational.

It rejected online rumors about store closures as "completely untrue," stating that genuine retailers are functioning as usual and that there is no directive or condition necessitating the closure of shops.

MIOB encouraged customers to purchase mobile devices via authorized outlets to guarantee warranty coverage, dependable support, enhanced national income, and advancement within the tech industry.

Taiyeb stated that foreign phones are not imported into India or other nations in significant quantities.

He mentioned that BTRC, as the regulatory authority, is unable to comply with requests to reduce high-end phone prices by means of illegal imports or the sale of stolen devices.