Dhaka — October 30, 2025: The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced that all unregistered mobile phones will be deactivated from December 16, 2025, as the country rolls out its long-awaited National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system — a major step toward curbing illegal handset imports, reducing mobile fraud, and enhancing digital transparency.
NEIR: A National Commitment to Telecom Integrity
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, BTRC Chairman Major General (retd) Md Emdadul Bari confirmed that NEIR will automatically detect and block unauthorized or cloned mobile devices on local networks.
All handsets currently active before December 16 will be automatically registered through their biometric SIMs, ensuring uninterrupted service. However, users of gifted or second-hand devices will need to register their phones manually with the BTRC by following official guidelines.
“Once NEIR becomes active, every handset and SIM will be verified together — ensuring that only registered devices with authorized SIMs can function,” Bari stated. “If an unregistered phone or SIM is detected, it will be automatically blocked from the network.”
The system will also help track stolen phones, as each registered IMEI will be directly linked to a verified SIM and user identity.
Tightening SIM Ownership and Registration Rules
To complement NEIR, the BTRC is reducing the maximum number of SIMs allowed per National ID (NID) from 15 to 10, effective November 1, 2025.
Mobile operators will begin deactivating excess SIMs in November, ensuring compliance by December. The commission may further tighten this limit in the future while safeguarding consumer convenience.
Boosting Local Industry and Curbing Illegal Imports
The initiative is expected to support local smartphone manufacturers, who face unfair competition from smuggled and counterfeit handsets.
“Currently, 18 companies produce mobile phones locally, meeting most of the nation’s demand. NEIR will protect this ecosystem by eliminating illegal imports and stabilizing prices,” Bari said.
Around 37–38% of Bangladesh’s mobile users still rely on basic or non-smart devices. The BTRC believes NEIR will promote smartphone adoption, helping expand digital access and financial inclusion.
Safer Digital Ecosystem and Economic Gains
Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, described NEIR as a national commitment to public safety and state discipline:
“This is more than technology — it’s a commitment to citizens’ safety, transparency, and economic integrity.”
He added that all four major operators — Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk — are upgrading their internal Equipment Identity Register (EIR) systems to align with NEIR, ensuring seamless nationwide coverage.
The system will strengthen e-KYC verification, prevent MFS and SIM swap fraud, and increase government revenue by ensuring proper customs and taxation on imported devices.
Protecting Users and the Digital Future
From December 16, Bangladesh will officially enter a “new era of telecom safety and transparency.”
The BTRC urged mobile operators, journalists, and citizens to spread awareness and ensure only legal, registered handsets remain active on the network.
