Process of blocking unofficial mobile handsets officially begins

The process of blocking unofficial mobile handsets has officially begun with the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system.

With the introduction of the system, any new unofficial or illegally imported handset attempting to connect to the country's mobile networks will now be automatically detected and, after a stipulated period, disconnected.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Deputy Director (Media) Jakir Hossain Khan on Thursday said the NEIR system has come into operation as announced earlier.

From now on, when a new handset is connected to a mobile network, its details will automatically be transmitted to the BTRC server. If the handset is found to be illegal, the user will receive network signals initially but will be required to register the device within three months.

He added that failure to complete registration within the stipulated time would result in the handset being blocked.

The BTRC has urged general users not to panic, assuring that no currently active handset - whether authorised or unauthorised - will be disconnected at this stage.

BTRC Chairman Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari clarified that all handsets currently in use on the network will remain operational. He also said that devices held in traders' stocks, whose International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers were submitted by 31 December, will continue to function. Only brand-new handsets joining the network from Thursday onwards will fall under the NEIR process.

The BTRC has also announced special facilities for expatriates. Bangladeshis returning from abroad will be allowed to bring their personal mobile phone along with up to two additional new handsets.

These devices will remain active on the network for three months, during which users must complete registration. The commission said registration can be easily completed online through the NEIR portal using passports or travel-related documents.