Mobile traders have announced they will continue their protest until their demands are met, following a meeting with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman on Sunday evening.
Traders said they will remain on the streets until their concerns are addressed and warned that mobile traders across the country may join the movement in solidarity.
“We will continue the protest until our demands are met. All mobile traders nationwide have been alerted to join the movement together,” said a leader of the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB), the organization leading the protest.
The traders told reporters that no assurances were given by the BTRC during discussions, prompting them to sustain their demonstrations.
Earlier in the day, MBCB staged a sit-in outside BTRC headquarters from Sunday morning, demanding discussions with mobile phone traders, policy reforms, and several other measures prior to the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR).
MBCB President Md. Aslam said that although the traders had requested a one-year delay in NEIR implementation, the commission has yet to respond. “Therefore, the protest will continue until a solution is found,” he said.
The handset registration system is scheduled to go live on December 16. Around 25,000 mobile traders nationwide have expressed concern over the impending rollout.
According to BTRC data, traders currently hold approximately 5 million handsets brought into the country without paying taxes. They are seeking the opportunity to legalise these devices by paying customs duties. Additionally, traders are demanding that customs rates be reduced from 58% to 15% prior to NEIR implementation, along with simplification of mobile import procedures.
The ongoing BTRC siege by traders has caused severe traffic disruptions in the area, affecting thousands of people. Patients at three major specialised hospitals in Agargaon – Children’s, Physically Disabled, and Neurosciences – are also facing difficulties entering and exiting facilities, and ambulances are struggling to leave the premises.
During the protest, demonstrators reportedly set fire at four locations from Agargaon Mor to the BTRC building. Around 7:15 pm, traders vacated one side of the road but continued protesting directly in front of BTRC. Police and army personnel remained on alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
The protest has caused massive traffic congestion in and around the area, forcing many commuters to walk to their destinations. Some motorists and motorcyclists expressed frustration at being delayed for long periods, while the protesters repeatedly announced over loudspeakers urging participants not to engage in confrontations.
One demonstrator was heard saying via hand microphone: “We see nothing. We hear nothing. Let everyone say what they want. Do not engage in any physical fights with anyone.”
