From today, Thursday, 1 January, Bangladesh has officially launched the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), a digital system designed to automatically block illegal or unregistered mobile handsets the moment they connect to the network. The initiative, overseen by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), aims to curb phone-related fraud, control stolen devices, and bring order to the telecommunications market.
The BTRC had previously extended the submission deadline for mobile stock IMEIs until 31 December in response to requests from retailers. With the deadline now passed, NEIR enforcement is officially in effect.
BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdadul Bari clarified:
“Currently, any handset already active on the network, whether registered or unregistered, will not be blocked. Devices listed by businesses in stock, whose IMEIs have been submitted, will remain operational. The system will apply only to newly connected devices.”
Under NEIR rules, expatriates may bring two additional new handsets into the country alongside any used devices. Registration must be completed within three months, and relevant travel documentation will be required. Foyez Ahmad Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts and Telecommunications, noted that if the Advisory Council approves reductions in mobile import or production duties, NEIR implementation will be significantly smoother.
The launch follows protests in Karwan Bazar on 10 December against the blocking of grey-market phones. While implementation was temporarily suspended amid these demonstrations, the BTRC confirmed that no formal directive to halt the programme had been issued.
According to the BTRC, the system matches device IMEI numbers, SIM numbers, and IMSI identifiers to ensure network access, but it does not have the capacity to record calls or messages. Experts have raised concerns regarding potential privacy risks, but the government has amended the Telecommunications Ordinance to safeguard user data and criminalise misuse.
Countries including India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Australia have already deployed similar mechanisms to block stolen or illegal phones, highlighting global precedence for such digital safeguards.
Table: Key Features of NEIR Implementation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 1 January 2026 |
| Governing Body | Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) |
| Scope | Blocks illegal/unregistered handsets on mobile networks |
| Existing Devices | Active handsets already on network remain functional |
| New Devices | Newly connected unregistered devices blocked automatically |
| Expat Allowance | Up to 2 new handsets per visitor; registration within 3 months |
| Identification | IMEI, SIM, IMSI matching |
| Privacy | No call/message recording; legal safeguards in place |
| Precedent Countries | India, Pakistan, UK, Australia |
| Purpose | Prevent theft, curb grey market, maintain market order |
With NEIR now live, Bangladesh joins a growing list of countries using advanced digital systems to protect consumers and regulate mobile communications effectively. Citizens and network operators alike are advised to ensure full compliance to avoid service disruption.