NEIR implementation: Mobile phone traders to stage sit-ins in Dhaka tomorrow amid nationwide shutdown
Mobile phone shop owners across the country will stage sit-in programmes in the capital tomorrow (4 January) amid their nationwide shutdown protesting the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) announced today (3 January).
The programme has also been called to demand the release of traders arrested in connection with the recent attack on the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building, along with several other demands.
MBCB Senior Vice-President Shamim Molla told the media this evening that all mobile phone shops across the country will remain closed indefinitely as part of the protest.
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He said the organisation has long been protesting issues including what it terms irrational tax rates, various barriers imposed by the BTRC, and complexities in mobile phone import policies.
Added to these demands are the withdrawal of cases filed against traders and the release of those arrested following the recent protests.
As part of the movement, Shamim Molla said, traders will hold a sit-in programme in the capital on Sunday along with their family members.
The venue of the programme will be announced later.
Earlier on 1 January, mobile phone traders besieged the BTRC building in the capital while protesting the implementation of NEIR.
The protesters were later dispersed from the area, and several demonstrators were reportedly detained by the army.
In a case filed over the incident, a Dhaka court on Friday rejected the bail pleas of 45 arrested individuals and ordered them to be sent to jail.
