How NEIR will secure mobile devices: step-by-step

Bangladesh is set to launch the long-awaited National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) service on December 16, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations.

The initiative aimed to block illegal and unregistered mobile phones from local networks, strengthen digital security, curb mobile-related crimes, and support the government’s drive for transparent telecom governance.

The NEIR system is a world-class, centralized device registration platform that allows every mobile user in Bangladesh — including citizens, residents, and foreigners — to securely verify and register their devices.

How NEIR works: Step-by-Step

Every mobile phone carries a 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. NEIR uses this number as the primary identifier for registration and verification.

Step 1: Device detection

When a mobile phone connects to any Bangladeshi network, its IMEI number is automatically checked against the NEIR database.

• Registered IMEI: The device works normally.
• Unregistered or blocked IMEI: The network automatically blocks the device, preventing calls, messages, and mobile data use.

This automatic verification ensures illegal or cloned phones cannot operate while users of legitimate devices remain unaffected.

Step 2: Checking your device

Ahead of the NEIR rollout, users can confirm if their devices are registered:

1. Open the SMS app on your phone.
2. Type: KYD IMEI (Example: KYD 123456789012345)
3. Send the message to 16002

You will receive an SMS confirming whether your handset is registered. If it is already registered, no further action is needed.

Step 3: Registering unregistered devices

For devices that are unregistered, registration is straightforward and accessible online for users in Bangladesh and abroad:

1. Visit the NEIR portal: neir.btrc.gov.bd
2. Create a personal account using valid identification. Foreign residents may use a passport or visa.
3. Navigate to the “Special Registration” section and enter your IMEI number.
4. Upload supporting documents, such as:

• Passport or visa pages (for foreigners)
• Purchase receipts or invoices
• Customs clearance documents (if applicable)

If the device is verified as legitimate, it will be registered and remain fully functional. Illegal devices will be blocked from network access, and the user will be notified via SMS.

Step 4: For foreigners and imported phones

Phones brought from abroad as gifts or personal imports have a 30-day grace period from the first connection to a Bangladeshi network.

• Users receive an SMS directing them to complete registration.
• Devices are permanently registered only after verification.

This ensures foreign visitors and returning residents can use their phones without interruption while complying with the law.

Step 5: USSD registration (offline option)

For users without reliable internet access, registration is available via USSD:

• Dial *16161# and follow the prompts to verify and register your device.

This option ensures NEIR is inclusive, covering rural areas and users without smartphones.

Security and privacy

NEIR strictly follows international security standards:

• Data protection: Personal and device information is encrypted.
• Limited access: Only authorized government and telecom officials can access registration data.
• No surveillance: Blocking unregistered devices does not involve monitoring usage; it only prevents illegal phones from connecting.

Explaining the system, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on Telecom and IT, said: “Blocking illegal handsets is a global standard. NEIR ensures every device is accountable, reducing crime and fraud without violating privacy.”

Grey market traders have warned that prices could rise temporarily, but BTRC officials expect NEIR will stabilize the market by promoting legal imports and local production.