The launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) on Thursday turned violent as protesters vandalized the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in the capital’s Agargaon, prompting army deployment and the arrest of 26 individuals.
The incident occurred around 4pm when groups of protesters, opposing NEIR, began throwing bricks and stones at the building, damaging its front glass façade, training rooms, and mosque. BTRC officials and staff were inside the mosque for Asr prayers. No casualties were reported, though staff was temporarily unable to exit the premises.
BTRC sources said stones were hurled from multiple directions, including the Investment Board alley, where around 50 individuals positioned themselves. The attack lasted roughly 15 minutes before dispersing. Police and army units later secured the area, arresteding 26 individuals for vandalism and disorder.
The unrest followed failed attempts by leaders of the Mobile Business Community of Bangladesh (MBCB) to meet BTRC officials over what they described as “unfulfilled commitments” on NEIR reforms. Nearly 200 traders staged a sit-in outside the office. MBCB General Secretary Abu Sayeed Piyas said the organization does not condone violence but acknowledged the situation briefly spiraled out of control.
“Meetings with trader representatives were ongoing inside the building at the time,” BTRC Deputy Director (Media) Jakir Hossain Khan said, describing the attack as unprecedented. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on posts, telecommunications, and ICT, condemned the assault as “state-hostile” and vowed stricter enforcement at land ports and airports to curb illegal handset imports.
The NEIR system, officially launched on Thursday, aims to block illegally imported mobile phones while allowing existing devices to continue operating. Only brand-new handsets connecting to mobile networks from Thursday onward are subject to NEIR registration. Handsets flagged as illegal have a three-month grace period to register, after which network access will be blocked.
BTRC Chairman Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari clarified that devices in traders’ inventories submitted by December 31 will remain functional. Returning expatriates may bring personal phones along with up to two new handsets, which must also be registered within three months. Registration can be completed online through the NEIR portal using passports or travel documents.
The initiative is designed to formalize Bangladesh’s handset market, curb grey-market imports, protect government revenue, and enhance network security. Thursday’s violence highlights tensions among traders and underscores challenges in regulatory communication during major policy reforms.
