NEIR will help identify fake and stolen phones: MIOB

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association (MIOB) has said that effective implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) will make it easier to identify counterfeit and stolen mobile phones.

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday (January 6), MIOB said NEIR would enhance consumer protection, curb phone cloning, fraud and criminal activities, and ensure a safer digital environment.

The association welcomed the government’s decision to implement NEIR from January 1 and to reduce smartphone import duties, calling the move timely and positive for market discipline and legal trade.

MIOB strongly condemned recent vandalism at the BTRC office linked to opposition against NEIR, warning that such violence threatens investment, public order and Bangladesh’s international image.

According to MIOB, the smartphone manufacturing sector has attracted over Tk 3,000 crore in investment, created around 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and contributes significantly to government revenue.