Protest at BTRC Building Leads to Over 30 Arrests

Dhaka witnessed a dramatic escalation of tensions on Thursday, 1 January 2026, when mobile handset traders staged a protest outside the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in Agargaon. The demonstration, which began shortly after 4:00 PM, turned violent as protesters attacked the BTRC building, resulting in significant property damage and over 30 arrests by law enforcement.

The unrest was sparked by the recent introduction of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) programme, a mandatory system designed to register all mobile devices in Bangladesh. Traders have voiced strong objections to the initiative, arguing that it imposes additional operational costs and technical hurdles that could disrupt their businesses.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as hundreds of protesters hurled bricks and stones at the building. The BTRC mosque, located on the premises, was also damaged during the attack, although no injuries were reported among the staff who were performing prayers at the time. A senior BTRC official said, “The vandalism began abruptly. Several hundred protesters outside the building started throwing bricks and stones, breaking windows and damaging property. Despite being on leave, staff members were unable to leave the premises safely.”

Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ibn-e-Mizan, stated, “The protesters launched a sudden and unprovoked assault. Our teams are currently working to bring the situation under control.” Authorities confirmed that over 30 demonstrators had been detained and were being processed at local police stations.

Analysts suggest that such confrontations reflect growing friction between government regulatory policies and the private sector. The NEIR programme is part of the BTRC’s broader plan to digitise mobile registration and streamline telecommunication oversight. While intended to enhance efficiency and prevent mobile phone fraud, the initiative has met resistance from traders who face increased compliance costs and technical challenges.

The BTRC has since reinforced security measures around the building, deploying additional police personnel while initiating dialogue with the traders’ associations to defuse tensions. Authorities emphasised that maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of staff remain top priorities.

The table below summarises the key aspects of the incident:

The incident highlights the delicate balance between regulatory enforcement and stakeholder engagement, underscoring the need for dialogue to prevent future clashes.