DHAKA: The National Equipment Identification Register (NEIR) system will remain suspended for the next three months, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam announced on Sunday.
The decision came following a meeting between law enforcement officials and representatives of mobile phone traders. Speaking after the meeting, DC Masud Alam said the NEIR system would be reactivated after the three-month suspension period.
He also added that, after consultations with senior officials, the 11 individuals arrested in connection with recent incidents surrounding the NEIR rollout would be released.
Earlier, despite strong opposition from mobile phone traders, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb had stated that the NEIR initiative would not be withdrawn. Speaking at the official inauguration of the system last Thursday (1 January), Faiz said those responsible for vandalism at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building would not be spared.
During the launch of the NEIR system, a group of individuals reportedly vandalised the BTRC premises, prompting legal action and arrests.
Meanwhile, protests against the NEIR initiative continued on Sunday morning as mobile phone traders blocked roads in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area, causing traffic disruption.
The protesters placed several demands, including the immediate suspension of the NEIR system, permission to import used mobile phones, withdrawal of cases filed against traders, and the release of those arrested during the unrest.
Authorities have yet to announce whether additional negotiations will be held to resolve the dispute permanently.
