Mobile Retailers Declare Nationwide Strike Over NEIR Policy

In a significant escalation of industrial action, the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) has declared an indefinite nationwide closure of all mobile handset and gadget shops. The strike, which took effect immediately on Saturday, 3 January 2026, is a direct protest against the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) and the recent arrest of several business owners following a confrontation at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters.

Shamim Molla, Senior Vice-President of the MBCB, accused the authorities of implementing the NEIR system primarily to benefit large-scale mobile manufacturing corporations at the expense of small and medium-sized retail businesses. The NEIR system, designed to register every mobile handset with its owner's National ID, has long been a point of contention, with retailers claiming it creates unnecessary barriers to trade and complicates the resale of legitimate devices.

Core Grievances and Objectives of the MBCB Strike

The movement, which originally focused on economic reforms such as lowering tax rates and easing import restrictions, has now morphed into a broader struggle for the legal protection of its members. The MBCB is demanding the unconditional release of traders who were apprehended during recent protests at the BTRC building. "Our movement was already underway to demand lower taxes and easier import policies," Mr Molla stated. "But now, the safety and freedom of our fellow businessmen have become our top priority."

In addition to the shop closures, the organisation has announced a massive gathering and sit-in programme in the capital, Dhaka, scheduled for tomorrow. However, in a strategic move to avoid pre-emptive police intervention, the specific location of the assembly has been kept confidential. "For the safety of our members and to ensure the success of our programme, we are not disclosing the exact venue at this time," Molla added.

The indefinite strike is expected to cause severe disruption to the national mobile market, affecting millions of consumers and potentially stalling the digital economy. Retailers argue that until the BTRC removes the "artificial obstacles" placed on the trade, they cannot resume business. As the standoff between the telecommunications regulator and the business community intensifies, all eyes are on the government to see if a compromise can be reached before the market suffers irreparable damage.