The govt has been losing around Tk 5,000 crore in revenue every year due to absence of National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), claimed the Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association.
The association said with the recent introduction of NEIR, the government will now be able to collect this revenue.
The association claimed at a press conference titled "Towards a Safer Bangladesh through NEIR" on Tuesday at the InterContinental Dhaka. The press conference was organised to present accurate information about NEIR and to address recent protests by mobile phone traders as well as public confusion surrounding the system.
MIOB says from 2026 the government will be able to generate at least Tk 5,000 crore in additional revenue annually from the mobile phone industry through the implementation of NEIR-revenue that was previously unattainable.
At present, the government collects around Tk 3,000 crore per year from the sector. With NEIR in place, this figure is expected to rise to Tk 5,000-6,000 crore, and by 2030, revenue collection could reach at least Tk 15,000 crore.
The association further claimed that illegal and smuggled imports and sales of mobile phones have resulted in laundering of Tk 10,000-15,000 crore abroad every year, with no official records. Currently, nearly 20 percent of Bangladesh's mobile phone market is controlled by illegal traders, it said.
Presenting the keynote speech, MIOB Executive Member and Xiaomi Bangladesh Country Manager Ziauddin Chowdhury said sales of mobile phones priced above Tk 30,000 remain low in Bangladesh.
He attributed this to limited production, which has prevented prices from being reduced. Increased production, he said, would make price reductions possible.
He added that in absence of NEIR, certain individuals and institutions have been illegally profiting from the situation. At least 20 percent of the mobile phone market is controlled by illegal operators who neither pay taxes nor ensure security, as the unofficial phones they sell often pose various security risks.
Ziauddin expressed hope that the implementation of NEIR would attract greater local and foreign investment and bring more discipline to the market. In his closing remarks, MIOB President Zakaria Shahid alleged that misinformation and disinformation about NEIR are being spread on social media, causing public confusion and fear.
He said those involved in illegal import and sale of mobile phones are violating multiple laws, including tax evasion, and are opposing NEIR out of personal interest.
The press conference was moderated by
MIOB Executive Member Jahirul Islam who moderated the press conference said d illegal traders would benefit if NEIR were not implemented while its continuation would increase government revenue and enhance public security.
At the event, detailed discussions were held on long-term positive impact of the recently implemented National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) and its role in strengthening the country's mobile phone ecosystem.
MIOB stated that the government's decision to implement NEIR from January 1, alongside reducing smartphone import duties to encourage legitimate imports and maintain market discipline.
According to MIOB, combining both local and foreign capital, more than BDT 3,000 crore has been invested in 18 smartphone manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh.
The sector directly employs around 50,000 skilled workers and supports another 50,000 people through dealers, DSRs, service centers, and retail operations. Around 30 percent of the workforce in the sector is made up of women.
