Bangladesh prepares NEIR amid ‘clone phone threats, obstruction’
Amid rising concerns over the national security risks posed by clone and tampered mobile devices, the government is preparing to launch the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), a central system designed to block the use of illegal phones.
Officials, however, say the initiative is facing resistance from criminal networks that profit from the clone-phone trade, posing a challenge to the smooth implementation of the measure, reports UNB.
Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said the government will block all cloned, illegally imported and smuggled mobile phones, adding that there will be ‘no concessions’ in removing such devices from the market.
He said illegal phones not only cause tax losses, but are also used in a range of serious crimes. These include SIM- and telecom-related crimes—wrong registration and fake eKYC, SIM fraud, gambling and MLM scams through bulk SMS, and mobile financial fraud.
Govt to block cloned, illegally imported phones: Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb
Online crimes such as gambling, scamming and phishing are also linked to clone phones, as are various economic offences including patent and technology royalty evasion, tax and customs evasion, and cross-border phone smuggling from India and China.
According to him, the issue involves several layers of security affecting citizens, the economy and the state.
Law enforcement agencies, BIDA, mobile banking operators, banks, BFIU and the NBR have all been requesting urgent action to stop the spread of illegal phones, he said. The matter is also critical for ensuring discipline and security in the mobile banking, internet and telecommunications sectors.
Taiyeb added that many cloned devices currently use duplicate IMEI numbers, something that will no longer be possible once NEIR becomes operational.
He claimed that a ‘powerful mafia group’ involved in the illegal phone market is actively opposing the introduction of NEIR. “If NEIR is introduced, importing cloned phones will no longer be possible. That is why the mafia group is trying to stop it,” he said.
Taiyeb also advised users to always register SIM cards in their own names to avoid any complications. “If a SIM registered in your name is used in a genuine phone, you will never face trouble,” he said.
He stressed that legitimate traders will not be harassed. “The channel through which millions of phones enter the country without paying taxes will be shut down. Honest businesses have nothing to worry about. They are being encouraged to sell legitimate phones.”
He mentioned that discussions with BTRC and NBR are underway to reduce import duties. A meeting with the NBR chairman will be held soon, while BTRC has requested domestic manufacturers to lower handset prices.
“Whatever is necessary will be done to make legitimate phones more affordable for consumers,” Taiyeb added.
Simplifying Phone Registration
BTRC is also working to simplify the registration process for phones brought legally from abroad. All devices active before 16 December will automatically be deemed valid. Expatriates will be allowed to bring one or two phones under existing rules, while separate NBR regulations will apply to more than two devices.
“Users will not face any trouble if they use a SIM registered in their own name. SIMs used in clone phones, however, are at risk,” Taiyeb said.
He stressed once again that law enforcement agencies, BIDA, banks, BFIU and NBR have repeatedly urged the government to stop illegal phones. “This is not only a matter of the economy, but also of national security,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) has announced nationwide shop closures in protest against NEIR.
The business community claims that the 57% tax on luggage phones will raise prices, hurt ordinary consumers and make business unviable.
They called on the government to adopt a reasonable tariff policy through dialogue.
On the other hand, the Mobile Phone Industry Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) said in a statement that mobile shops across the country remain open.
It dismissed social media rumours of closures as “entirely false”, saying legitimate retailers are operating normally and that there is no order or situation requiring shops to shut down.
MIOB urged consumers to buy phones through legitimate channels to ensure warranty, reliable service, increased national revenue and growth in the technology sector.
Taiyeb mentioned that foreign phones do not enter India or other countries in such large numbers.
He said BTRC, as the regulator, cannot accept demands to lower high-end phone prices through the illegal import or sale of stolen devices.